Wildfire hits The Colony
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
THE COLONY, Texas - Two weeks after a soaking rain, the fire danger has emerged again in parts of North Texas.
Grassfires struck in The Colony Sunday evening and homeowners stood watching as firefighters worked to battle the blaze.
Strong winds and dry brush helped fuel the wildfire over nearly 70 acres of land near Lake Lewisville. Firefighters from several departments helped fight the fire as it neared a school and some homes.
Residents turned on their sprinklers to wet their lawns in an attempt to do what little they could to keep the fire away.
"It was way over there for awhile and then it just moved really quick because the wind was blowing this way," said homeowner Kaye Ink.
While three fire trucks got stuck in the mud that was created after the recent rain, it didn't stop the fire.
"...The top of it is still dry and the winds get blowing, it moves so fast," said Asst. Chief Van Weese, The Colony Fire Department. "The little amount of rain we have had just doesn't wet it enough to keep it all green."
Firefighters said as long as there is dry brush there is still the potential for wildfires.
"Most of the counties, I believe, have lifted the burn bans," Weese said. "It doesn't mean that everything is gone and is ready to go as far as burning."
_____________________________________________________________
ALSO ONLINE:
Texas Wildfire Awareness Week (April 1-8)
CONTINUING COVERAGE: Extreme Wildfire Danger / Drought
Moderator: S2k Moderators
Forum rules
The posts in this forum are NOT official forecast and should not be used as such. They are just the opinion of the poster and may or may not be backed by sound meteorological data. They are NOT endorsed by any professional institution or STORM2K.
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Panhandle wildfires spur evacuation
AMARILLO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - Numerous wildfires erupted in the parched, windy Texas Panhandle on Thursday, prompting a mandatory evacuation of one town and threatening homes in another.
Officials in Lefors in Gray County ordered the evacuation of the town of about 500, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Wayne Beighle said. Residents were taken to a shelter in nearby Pampa, about 54 miles northeast of Amarillo, he said.
The threatened homes were north of Pampa, Beighle said.
At least nine fires were burning in the region, officials said.
"You can see we have a big, big problem, and the weather's not cooperating," Beighle said. "The winds are relentless."
He said winds gusted to 70 mph, toppling an 18-wheeler along a rural road.
No injuries were reported.
Officials closed several roads because of blowing dust and smoke. At least 1,500 acres had burned.
Two large air tankers were on their way from New Mexico to drop retardant on fires that pose the greatest threat, Beighle said.
Fires last month burned nearly a million acres in the Panhandle.
AMARILLO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - Numerous wildfires erupted in the parched, windy Texas Panhandle on Thursday, prompting a mandatory evacuation of one town and threatening homes in another.
Officials in Lefors in Gray County ordered the evacuation of the town of about 500, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Wayne Beighle said. Residents were taken to a shelter in nearby Pampa, about 54 miles northeast of Amarillo, he said.
The threatened homes were north of Pampa, Beighle said.
At least nine fires were burning in the region, officials said.
"You can see we have a big, big problem, and the weather's not cooperating," Beighle said. "The winds are relentless."
He said winds gusted to 70 mph, toppling an 18-wheeler along a rural road.
No injuries were reported.
Officials closed several roads because of blowing dust and smoke. At least 1,500 acres had burned.
Two large air tankers were on their way from New Mexico to drop retardant on fires that pose the greatest threat, Beighle said.
Fires last month burned nearly a million acres in the Panhandle.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Wildfire breaks out in Texas Panhandle
AMARILLO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) -- Firefighters were working to contain two fires in the Texas Panhandle on Friday, a day after blazes scorched 27,000 acres and destroyed at least nine homes north of Amarillo.
Two small towns about 65 miles east of the city were forced to evacuate Thursday, but the roughly 600 residents of Lefors and Bowers City were allowed to return home. No injuries were reported.
"You can call that a bullet dodged," said Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Wayne Beighle.
A fire near Bowers City of 5,000 acres was about 90 percent contained on Friday, while a fire near a natural gas plant north of Amarillo of about 30,000 acres was about 50 percent contained, said Carrie Atchison, spokeswoman for Texas Forest Service. She said the plant was not in danger.
While higher humidity and slightly calmer winds were in the Friday forecast for the Panhandle, the fire danger was expected to shift to a large circular area from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to West Texas and back toward San Antonio, the Texas Forest Service said.
"There is still critical fire danger throughout out that whole region," Atchison said.
In some areas Friday, blowing dirt prompted authorites to close roads or to urge motorists to turn on their headlights and use caution. Authorites closed Farm Road 291 from Interstate 40 in Alanreed to Texas 273 east of Lefors and Texas 273 between McLean and Lefors.
Fires also burned Thursday in the West Texas counties of Crane, Upton, Glasscock and Howard, near the Big Spring and Midland-Odessa areas. But Panhandle residents still skittish from March fires that burned nearly a million acres and killed 11 people faced the biggest threats again.
Light rain in the Oklahoma Panhandle was expected to move into the Texas Panhandle on Friday, but not as far as Amarillo, said Mike Johnson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Amarillo.
AMARILLO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) -- Firefighters were working to contain two fires in the Texas Panhandle on Friday, a day after blazes scorched 27,000 acres and destroyed at least nine homes north of Amarillo.
Two small towns about 65 miles east of the city were forced to evacuate Thursday, but the roughly 600 residents of Lefors and Bowers City were allowed to return home. No injuries were reported.
"You can call that a bullet dodged," said Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Wayne Beighle.
A fire near Bowers City of 5,000 acres was about 90 percent contained on Friday, while a fire near a natural gas plant north of Amarillo of about 30,000 acres was about 50 percent contained, said Carrie Atchison, spokeswoman for Texas Forest Service. She said the plant was not in danger.
While higher humidity and slightly calmer winds were in the Friday forecast for the Panhandle, the fire danger was expected to shift to a large circular area from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to West Texas and back toward San Antonio, the Texas Forest Service said.
"There is still critical fire danger throughout out that whole region," Atchison said.
In some areas Friday, blowing dirt prompted authorites to close roads or to urge motorists to turn on their headlights and use caution. Authorites closed Farm Road 291 from Interstate 40 in Alanreed to Texas 273 east of Lefors and Texas 273 between McLean and Lefors.
Fires also burned Thursday in the West Texas counties of Crane, Upton, Glasscock and Howard, near the Big Spring and Midland-Odessa areas. But Panhandle residents still skittish from March fires that burned nearly a million acres and killed 11 people faced the biggest threats again.
Light rain in the Oklahoma Panhandle was expected to move into the Texas Panhandle on Friday, but not as far as Amarillo, said Mike Johnson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Amarillo.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Latest Panhandle fires contained
AMARILLO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) – Firefighters contained the last two wildfires in the Texas Panhandle on Friday, the second day of blazes that scorched as many as 40,000 acres in the region.
A 5,000-acre fire near Bowers City and another of about 30,000 acres near a natural gas plant north of Amarillo were contained by Friday afternoon, said Department of Public Safety spokesman Dan Hawthorne.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, Hawthorne said.
One fire north of Amarillo on Thursday destroyed at least nine homes and forced the evacuation of about 600 residents and high school students. Another 600 or so residents in Lefors and Bowers City, about 65 miles east of Amarillo, were evacuated to nearby Pampa. All were allowed to return by Thursday night.
Higher humidity and calmer winds helped Panhandle firefighters Friday. A high-pressure system across the state was expected to maintain those conditions Saturday and reduce the fire danger, said Mike Johnson of the National Weather Service in Amarillo.
Light rain in the Oklahoma Panhandle was expected to move into the Texas Panhandle on Friday, but not as far south as Amarillo, Johnson said.
Blowing dirt in some areas prompted authorities to close roads or urge motorists to turn on their headlights and use caution. Farm Road 291 was closed from Interstate 40 in Alanreed to Texas 273 east of Lefors, and Texas 273 was shut down between McLean and Lefors, a 22-mile stretch.
Since mid-March, fires in the Panhandle have burned about 1 million acres and resulted in 11 deaths.
AMARILLO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) – Firefighters contained the last two wildfires in the Texas Panhandle on Friday, the second day of blazes that scorched as many as 40,000 acres in the region.
A 5,000-acre fire near Bowers City and another of about 30,000 acres near a natural gas plant north of Amarillo were contained by Friday afternoon, said Department of Public Safety spokesman Dan Hawthorne.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, Hawthorne said.
One fire north of Amarillo on Thursday destroyed at least nine homes and forced the evacuation of about 600 residents and high school students. Another 600 or so residents in Lefors and Bowers City, about 65 miles east of Amarillo, were evacuated to nearby Pampa. All were allowed to return by Thursday night.
Higher humidity and calmer winds helped Panhandle firefighters Friday. A high-pressure system across the state was expected to maintain those conditions Saturday and reduce the fire danger, said Mike Johnson of the National Weather Service in Amarillo.
Light rain in the Oklahoma Panhandle was expected to move into the Texas Panhandle on Friday, but not as far south as Amarillo, Johnson said.
Blowing dirt in some areas prompted authorities to close roads or urge motorists to turn on their headlights and use caution. Farm Road 291 was closed from Interstate 40 in Alanreed to Texas 273 east of Lefors, and Texas 273 was shut down between McLean and Lefors, a 22-mile stretch.
Since mid-March, fires in the Panhandle have burned about 1 million acres and resulted in 11 deaths.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Hill Country homes threatened by wildfires
HUNT, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) — Wildfires in the Texas Hill Country which have killed one man were threatening about 55 area homes Saturday, the Texas Forest Service said.
One fire in Kerr County about five miles east of Hunt has burned about 1,100 acres and is threatening about 50 homes, said Texas Forest Service spokeswoman Traci Weaver.
Also in Kerr County, a fire half a mile north of nearby Ingram has burned about 100 acres is threatening five homes. That fire, which has burned a camper-trailer and two mobile homes, is about 50 percent contained, according to the Forest Service.
"Our big concern today is we're going to be experiencing a lot of wind and low humidity," Weaver said.
Winds in the area were north, northwesterly at about 15 mph and the humidity was expected to fall throughout the day, said Bill Runyon of the National Weather Service in Austin-San Antonio. Temperatures in the Hill Country were in the mid-50s to low 60s, he said.
In Uvalde County, a 2,000-acre fire near Utopia has been contained and a fire near Montel that has burned about 2,500 acres is about 75 percent contained. The Montel fire was caused by debris burning, Weaver said.
In Uvalde County, officials said a man was found dead Friday next to his bulldozer after trying to protect his property from wildfires was most likely killed by the fast-moving flames.
Weaver said that two firefighters were injured while fighting wildfires in Medina County.
HUNT, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) — Wildfires in the Texas Hill Country which have killed one man were threatening about 55 area homes Saturday, the Texas Forest Service said.
One fire in Kerr County about five miles east of Hunt has burned about 1,100 acres and is threatening about 50 homes, said Texas Forest Service spokeswoman Traci Weaver.
Also in Kerr County, a fire half a mile north of nearby Ingram has burned about 100 acres is threatening five homes. That fire, which has burned a camper-trailer and two mobile homes, is about 50 percent contained, according to the Forest Service.
"Our big concern today is we're going to be experiencing a lot of wind and low humidity," Weaver said.
Winds in the area were north, northwesterly at about 15 mph and the humidity was expected to fall throughout the day, said Bill Runyon of the National Weather Service in Austin-San Antonio. Temperatures in the Hill Country were in the mid-50s to low 60s, he said.
In Uvalde County, a 2,000-acre fire near Utopia has been contained and a fire near Montel that has burned about 2,500 acres is about 75 percent contained. The Montel fire was caused by debris burning, Weaver said.
In Uvalde County, officials said a man was found dead Friday next to his bulldozer after trying to protect his property from wildfires was most likely killed by the fast-moving flames.
Weaver said that two firefighters were injured while fighting wildfires in Medina County.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Wildfires scorch Texas Hill Country
HUNT, Texas (DallasNews.com/AP) — Wildfires that killed a Mexican citizen and scorched nearly 6,200 acres in the Texas Hill Country threatened dozens of homes Saturday before firefighters wrested control of the blazes, officials said.
Calmer winds expected Sunday should prevent the fires from spreading further, Texas Forest Service spokeswoman Traci Weaver said.
“Tomorrow we'll be able to get full containment,” Weaver said.
One fire in Kerr County, about 100 miles west of Austin, burned a camper trailer and mobile home while spreading across 1,100 acres. The blaze threatened about 50 homes, but firefighters managed to beat the flames back, Weaver said.
Nearby, another fire caused by burning debris scorched about 150 acres but was 75 percent contained by Saturday afternoon. Fires in Uvalde County, which officials said were also caused by burning debris, scorched about 2,500 acres. They were about 75 percent contained, officials said.
Officials said one man in Uvalde County was found dead Friday next to his bulldozer after trying to protect his property from wildfires. The San Antonio Express-News identified the man as Leonardo Flores Hernandez, a Mexican citizen in his late 40s.
Two firefighters remain hospitalized after being injured Friday while fighting wildfires in Medina County, near Yancey. Weaver said one is in critical condition and the other is listed as stable. That fire was contained Saturday morning.
Higher humidity levels and winds around 5 mph on Sunday should keep the fires in check, said Pat McDonald of the National Weather Service. But the next chance of rain won't be until Friday.
“We want some good showers to come through without a lot of lightning, but we just don't see that happening,” McDonald said.
The Texas Forest Service has helped contain more than a million acres of wildfires since Dec. 1, including about 40,000 acres that burned this week in the Panhandle, Weaver said. There have been 431 homes lost from fire since Dec. 27.
HUNT, Texas (DallasNews.com/AP) — Wildfires that killed a Mexican citizen and scorched nearly 6,200 acres in the Texas Hill Country threatened dozens of homes Saturday before firefighters wrested control of the blazes, officials said.
Calmer winds expected Sunday should prevent the fires from spreading further, Texas Forest Service spokeswoman Traci Weaver said.
“Tomorrow we'll be able to get full containment,” Weaver said.
One fire in Kerr County, about 100 miles west of Austin, burned a camper trailer and mobile home while spreading across 1,100 acres. The blaze threatened about 50 homes, but firefighters managed to beat the flames back, Weaver said.
Nearby, another fire caused by burning debris scorched about 150 acres but was 75 percent contained by Saturday afternoon. Fires in Uvalde County, which officials said were also caused by burning debris, scorched about 2,500 acres. They were about 75 percent contained, officials said.
Officials said one man in Uvalde County was found dead Friday next to his bulldozer after trying to protect his property from wildfires. The San Antonio Express-News identified the man as Leonardo Flores Hernandez, a Mexican citizen in his late 40s.
Two firefighters remain hospitalized after being injured Friday while fighting wildfires in Medina County, near Yancey. Weaver said one is in critical condition and the other is listed as stable. That fire was contained Saturday morning.
Higher humidity levels and winds around 5 mph on Sunday should keep the fires in check, said Pat McDonald of the National Weather Service. But the next chance of rain won't be until Friday.
“We want some good showers to come through without a lot of lightning, but we just don't see that happening,” McDonald said.
The Texas Forest Service has helped contain more than a million acres of wildfires since Dec. 1, including about 40,000 acres that burned this week in the Panhandle, Weaver said. There have been 431 homes lost from fire since Dec. 27.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
3 Panhandle fires burn more than 16,000 acres
CANADIAN, Texas (DallasNews.com/AP) – Three wildfires raced across the dry, scorched Texas Panhandle on Tuesday, burning more than 16,000 acres by early evening, officials said.
The first blaze was reported just before 3 p.m., Department of Public Safety spokesman Wayne Beighle said. He said a Lipscomb County blaze, northwest of the city of Canadian, had already burned between 16,000 and 18,000 acres by Tuesday evening.
Heavy air tankers were en route from New Mexico and Arkansas, and two smaller aircraft were already battling the flames, Beighle said.
Some homes were threatened in Lipscomb County, but the area was mostly rangeland and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damaged structures, Beighle said.
Canadian is about 100 miles northeast of Amarillo.
A second fire was burning Tuesday afternoon northwest of Mobeetie, about 25 miles south of Canadian, but acreage estimates were not immediately available, Beighle said. Smoke and low visibility in the area forced the closure of a several-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 83, he said.
A third fire was reported southwest of Mobeetie but was 75 percent contained by Tuesday evening, Beighle said.
"It burned into a previously burned area," Beighle said. "It's not a big concern right now."
Lipscomb County is located in the northeastern corner of the Panhandle, bordered by Oklahoma on two sides. The county also battled blazes in mid-March, when an estimated 3,000 residents were given evacuation warnings during fires that burned nearly a million acres across the Panhandle.
Fires last week burned another 40,000 acres in the Panhandle, the Texas Forest Service said.
CANADIAN, Texas (DallasNews.com/AP) – Three wildfires raced across the dry, scorched Texas Panhandle on Tuesday, burning more than 16,000 acres by early evening, officials said.
The first blaze was reported just before 3 p.m., Department of Public Safety spokesman Wayne Beighle said. He said a Lipscomb County blaze, northwest of the city of Canadian, had already burned between 16,000 and 18,000 acres by Tuesday evening.
Heavy air tankers were en route from New Mexico and Arkansas, and two smaller aircraft were already battling the flames, Beighle said.
Some homes were threatened in Lipscomb County, but the area was mostly rangeland and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damaged structures, Beighle said.
Canadian is about 100 miles northeast of Amarillo.
A second fire was burning Tuesday afternoon northwest of Mobeetie, about 25 miles south of Canadian, but acreage estimates were not immediately available, Beighle said. Smoke and low visibility in the area forced the closure of a several-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 83, he said.
A third fire was reported southwest of Mobeetie but was 75 percent contained by Tuesday evening, Beighle said.
"It burned into a previously burned area," Beighle said. "It's not a big concern right now."
Lipscomb County is located in the northeastern corner of the Panhandle, bordered by Oklahoma on two sides. The county also battled blazes in mid-March, when an estimated 3,000 residents were given evacuation warnings during fires that burned nearly a million acres across the Panhandle.
Fires last week burned another 40,000 acres in the Panhandle, the Texas Forest Service said.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Where have all the bluebonnets gone?
By DON WALL / WFAA ABC 8
ELLIS COUNTY, Texas — Wondering why you haven't been seeing those familiar blankets of blue along North Texas roadways this spring?
You can blame the scarce bluebonnet sightings on the weather.
A dry fall prevented many seeds from sprouting.
Bluebonnets also need a few good freezes, which we didn't have.
On the highways of North Texas, you'll see brilliant yellows, and vivid purple—but not much blue.
On the official bluebonnet trails of Texas, they're singing the blues.
"Normally, you have oceans of bluebonnets. Everywhere you look, seas of bluebonnets," said Nancy Thomas from the Ennis Garden Club. " It's outstanding but this year, it's a little bit. We just have some lakes of bluebonnets, but that's OK, too; we enjoy it,"
At Bluebonnet Park in Ennis, where you would certainly expect to find bluebonnets, there's just a little patch.
So where have all the flowers gone?
"My pasture used to be covered with bluebonnets, and I don't have any this year," said Ennis County resident Peggy Munn. "I think it was just too dry."
Coming to the rescue, the Ennis Garden Club. They took WFAA-TV to what could be this year's best bastion of bluebonnets. Thousands of the flowers are waving across a field just outside of Ennis. Right now, this is the best view in town.
Next week in Ennis, 50,000 people are expected for the 55th annual bluebonnet festival. It's usually the year's biggest party, but maybe not this time.
"I would definitely call or e-mail before you drive down, and we will tell you like it is," said Ennis tourism director Gina Rokas.
More rain would mean more bluebonnets, but right now, the skies are blue.
The moods are, too.
By DON WALL / WFAA ABC 8
ELLIS COUNTY, Texas — Wondering why you haven't been seeing those familiar blankets of blue along North Texas roadways this spring?
You can blame the scarce bluebonnet sightings on the weather.
A dry fall prevented many seeds from sprouting.
Bluebonnets also need a few good freezes, which we didn't have.
On the highways of North Texas, you'll see brilliant yellows, and vivid purple—but not much blue.
On the official bluebonnet trails of Texas, they're singing the blues.
"Normally, you have oceans of bluebonnets. Everywhere you look, seas of bluebonnets," said Nancy Thomas from the Ennis Garden Club. " It's outstanding but this year, it's a little bit. We just have some lakes of bluebonnets, but that's OK, too; we enjoy it,"
At Bluebonnet Park in Ennis, where you would certainly expect to find bluebonnets, there's just a little patch.
So where have all the flowers gone?
"My pasture used to be covered with bluebonnets, and I don't have any this year," said Ennis County resident Peggy Munn. "I think it was just too dry."
Coming to the rescue, the Ennis Garden Club. They took WFAA-TV to what could be this year's best bastion of bluebonnets. Thousands of the flowers are waving across a field just outside of Ennis. Right now, this is the best view in town.
Next week in Ennis, 50,000 people are expected for the 55th annual bluebonnet festival. It's usually the year's biggest party, but maybe not this time.
"I would definitely call or e-mail before you drive down, and we will tell you like it is," said Ennis tourism director Gina Rokas.
More rain would mean more bluebonnets, but right now, the skies are blue.
The moods are, too.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Code: Select all
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
500 PM CDT FRI APR 21 2006
...DROUGHT INFORMATION STATEMENT FOR NORTH TEXAS...
WHILE MOST OF 2006 HAS BEEN SUNNY AND WARM...A FEW HEAVY RAIN EVENTS
HAVE HELPED EASE DROUGHT CONDITIONS ACROSS NORTH TEXAS. DESPITE THE
IMPROVEMENT...NEARLY ALL OF NORTH TEXAS REMAINS IN THE SEVERE
DROUGHT (D2) CATEGORY...ACCORDING TO THE U.S. DROUGHT MONITOR.
WHERE RECENT RAINS HAVE BEEN THE LEAST PLENTIFUL...FAR WESTERN NORTH
TEXAS...NEW VEGETATION IS STRESSED. DISASTER DECLARATIONS REMAIN IN
PLACE FOR COMANCHE...JACK...AND STEPHENS COUNTIES.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRE DANGER...
FOR MOST OF NORTH TEXAS...LATE WINTER RAINFALL HELPED SPRING
VEGETATION TO GREEN...DESPITE LIMITED SOIL MOISTURE DURING THE
GERMINATING MONTHS. THE GREENERY...ALONG WITH SPRINGTIME HUMIDITY...
HAS HELPED REDUCE THE FIRE DANGER ACROSS MUCH OF NORTH TEXAS.
OUTDOOR BURN BANS HAVE BEEN LIFTED FOR ALL BUT FAR WESTERN NORTH
TEXAS.
DURING THE SPRING MONTHS...DRYLINES OCCASIONALLY SURGE EAST TOWARD
THE I-35 CORRIDOR. GUSTY WEST AND SOUTHWEST WINDS COUPLED WITH LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY WILL ELEVATE THE FIRE DANGER ON SUCH DAYS...
PARTICULARLY ACROSS WESTERN PORTIONS OF NORTH TEXAS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
WATER RESOURCES...
THE HEAVY RAIN EVENT OF MARCH 17-20 FELL ON THE WATERSHEDS OF SOME
CRITICAL METROPLEX LAKES. LAKE ARLINGTON ROSE 8 FEET THAT WEEKEND...
AND IS WITHIN A COUPLE FEET OF NORMAL. OTHER METROPLEX RESERVOIRS...
INCLUDING JOE POOL AND RAY HUBBARD...HAVE RETURNED TO NORMAL.
DESPITE THE BENEFICIAL RAINS...MOST NORTH TEXAS LAKES REMAIN BELOW
NORMAL. SOME METROPLEX AREA LAKES...INCLUDING LEWISVILLE AND
LAVON...ARE STILL SEVERAL FEET BELOW NORMAL. LAKE BRIDGEPORT AND
HUBBARD CREEK RESERVOIR (STEPHENS COUNTY) BOTH REMAIN AROUND 12 FEET
BELOW NORMAL.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
PRECIPITATION DATA...
MANY SITES ACROSS NORTH TEXAS HAVE BEGUN THE YEAR ABOVE NORMAL.
HOWEVER...CONSIDERABLE DEFICITS REMAIN FOR A DROUGHT THAT IS NOW
15 MONTHS IN DURATION.
BELOW ARE PRECIPITATION TOTALS AND DEFICITS FROM COOPERATIVE
OBSERVERS FOR THE 14-MONTH PERIOD BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2005. ON THE
RIGHT ARE 2006 PRECIPITATION TOTALS...THROUGH THE END OF MARCH.
14-MONTH TOTALS 2006 SO FAR
--------------- ---------------
FEB 1, 2005 - JAN 1, 2006 -
MAR 31, 2006 MAR 31, 2006
CENTRAL
BENBROOK 24.30 -14.57 9.74 +3.18
GRAPEVINE 25.94 -13.81 11.16 +4.30
KAUFMAN 34.76 -10.55 11.88 +2.73
LAVON LAKE DAM 25.17 -20.97 10.60 +2.26
RICHARDSON 33.29 -12.93 13.36 +5.22
ROCKWALL 29.90 -15.58 16.06 +7.84
WEST
BOWIE 25.14 -13.33 6.52 +0.30
DECATUR 22.03 -20.54 8.11 +1.23
FORESTBURG 21.77 -17.00 7.58 +1.42
JACKSBORO 23.15 -12.46 6.30 +0.85
STEPHENVILLE 24.64 -9.28 8.63 +3.11
WEATHERFORD 23.82 -16.03 9.50 +2.85
NORTH
BONHAM 33.70 -17.63 12.97 +3.81
DENTON 23.82 -19.34 9.32 +2.01
HONEY GROVE 30.76 -21.89 13.87 +4.29
PARIS 35.91 -19.02 13.29 +3.55
SHERMAN 29.34 -18.77 12.30 +4.12
SULPHUR SPRINGS 34.55 -20.61 13.50 +3.15
SOUTH
ATHENS 33.52 -15.58 12.11 +2.08
CLEBURNE 28.01 -13.60 11.57 +4.31
HILLSBORO 27.92 -15.11 6.92 -1.15
OAKWOOD 32.33 -14.24 13.28 +3.53
PALESTINE 36.70 -16.89 12.93 +2.12
THORNTON 29.49 -14.85 10.31 +1.89
THE PRECIPITATION AMOUNTS BELOW ARE FROM HOURLY AIRPORT SITES.
ON THE LEFT ARE 12-MONTH RUNNING TOTALS AND DEFICITS. ON THE RIGHT
ARE YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL.
12-MONTH TOTALS 2006 SO FAR
--------------- ---------------
APR 22, 2005 - JAN 1, 2006 -
APR 21, 2006 APR 21, 2006
DFW AIRPORT 22.51 -12.22 11.79 +2.41
WACO 21.91 -11.43 8.38 -0.35
DALLAS LOVE FIELD 26.29 -10.76 15.99 +6.41
FORT WORTH MEACHAM 20.95 11.13
DALLAS EXECUTIVE 24.39 13.28
FORT WORTH ALLIANCE 20.30 10.02
ARLINGTON 25.32 -12.64 15.51 +5.42
DENTON 16.76 -21.03 8.67 -0.73
MCKINNEY 21.26 -19.75 10.71 -0.36
TERRELL 26.92 -15.11 13.12 +1.88
MINERAL WELLS 19.37 -12.42 8.96 +1.10
CORSICANA 26.71 -12.77 11.39 +0.26
-------------------------------------------------------------------
DROUGHT OUTLOOK...
OUTLOOKS FROM THE CLIMATE PREDICTION CENTER (CPC) SUGGEST THAT
PRECIPITATION TOTALS WILL MOST LIKELY BE BELOW NORMAL THE REMAINDER
OF THE SPRING.
CLIMATOLOGICALLY...THE SPRING MONTHS ARE SOME OF THE WETTEST. THE
AMOUNT OF SPRING RAIN...TYPICALLY RESULTING FROM THUNDERSTORMS...
WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A TREMENDOUS EFFECT ON DROUGHT CONDITIONS.
SUFFICIENT SPRING RAINS COULD SIGNIFICANTLY EASE THE IMPACTS OF THE
DRIER SUMMER MONTHS TO FOLLOW.
THE BULK OF THE PRECIPITATION THIS YEAR HAS FALLEN DURING ONLY A FEW
EVENTS. WITH WARM TEMPERATURES AND ABUNDANT SUNSHINE...EVAPORATION
HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLE FOR THIS EARLY IN THE YEAR...REDUCING THE
AMOUNT OF RAIN CONVERTED TO LONG TERM SOIL MOISTURE. WHILE THE
PRECIPITATION DEFICITS HAVE DECREASED...SIGNIFICANT HYDROLOGIC
DEFICITS REMAIN.
WATER DEMANDS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS ARE INVARIABLY HIGH...
INCREASING STEADILY EACH YEAR WITH EXPLOSIVE POPULATION GROWTH. A
DRY SUMMER WOULD SERVE TO WORSEN THE ALREADY CRITICAL DEFICITS IN
AREA RESERVOIRS. THOUGH GREEN VEGETATION HINTS AT AN EASING
DROUGHT...IT BELIES THE ONGOING HYDROLOGIC CONCERNS...ISSUES THAT
MAY BE WITH US FOR MANY MONTHS TO COME.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE DROUGHT IMPACTING NORTH TEXAS...
PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEB ADDRESSES. (ADDRESSES SHOULD BE IN
LOWER CASE.)
NOAA DROUGHT INFORMATION CENTER
WWW DROUGHT.NOAA.GOV
CLIMATE PREDICTION CENTER
WWW.CPC.NOAA.GOV
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH
WEATHER.GOV/FORTWORTH
NWS FORT WORTH - DROUGHT INFORMATION
WEATHER.GOV/FORTWORTH/DROUGHT.HTML
____________________________________________________________________
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Oak Point firefighters worry about water
By MARY ANN RAZZUK / WFAA ABC 8
OAK POINT, Texas - Oak Point Fire Chief Michael Shackleford knows he has nearly two dozen volunteers ready to fight a fire.
"You get underbrush like this during the summertime and it becomes extremely dry," he says.
But what he's not sure about is whether there will be enough water.
"You hope and pray, you really do, you hope and pray."
One road has no fire hydrants whatsoever, he says.
Where there are hydrants, the chief says there's not enough water pressure.
"Our most frustrating thing has been speaking to the water companies. Their pat answer has been 'by law we're not required to provide fire flow,'" he says.
One of the private companies that serves Oak Point told News 8 they plan build a new water tower and will increase water pressure.
But the chief doubts that's adequate to fight a large fire battle, especially in newer subdivisions where homes are built closer together.
So what's the solution? There may not be one.
The companies are under no obligation to fix the problem unless the city will pay for the upgrades - upgrades these small towns cannot afford.
There are 2,000 new homes scheduled to be built here. With the water system already tapped to capacity, the risk may only to get worse.
By MARY ANN RAZZUK / WFAA ABC 8
OAK POINT, Texas - Oak Point Fire Chief Michael Shackleford knows he has nearly two dozen volunteers ready to fight a fire.
"You get underbrush like this during the summertime and it becomes extremely dry," he says.
But what he's not sure about is whether there will be enough water.
"You hope and pray, you really do, you hope and pray."
One road has no fire hydrants whatsoever, he says.
Where there are hydrants, the chief says there's not enough water pressure.
"Our most frustrating thing has been speaking to the water companies. Their pat answer has been 'by law we're not required to provide fire flow,'" he says.
One of the private companies that serves Oak Point told News 8 they plan build a new water tower and will increase water pressure.
But the chief doubts that's adequate to fight a large fire battle, especially in newer subdivisions where homes are built closer together.
So what's the solution? There may not be one.
The companies are under no obligation to fix the problem unless the city will pay for the upgrades - upgrades these small towns cannot afford.
There are 2,000 new homes scheduled to be built here. With the water system already tapped to capacity, the risk may only to get worse.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
New rules limit water use
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
PLANO, Texas — Starting today, North Texas homeowners need to pay special attention when watering the lawn.
Mandatory restrictions are now in effect in many cities, including Frisco, Arlington, Rowlett, Denton, Flower Mound, Dallas and Fort Worth.
Because of continuing drought conditions, most communities are prohibiting the use of automated sprinkler systems between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Evaporation can waste up to half of the amount of water used during daylight hours.
Homeowner Debrah O'Toole of Dallas is already tending her garden accordingly. "I don't like waste," she said. "When I've seen water trailing down the street, it's always just offended me naturally, and there's so much evaporation that happens midday, it was just sort of a logical plan for me."
Plano has instituted some of the strictest watering regulations in North Texas. The use of automatic sprinklers is permitted just one night per week between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Homeowners and businesses which violate the new rules will get one warning; after that, a fine up to $2,000 will be assessed.
The key to survival for many lawns and gardens could be a hand-held garden hose. In most cities there are no limitations on manual watering or using a soaker hose.
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
PLANO, Texas — Starting today, North Texas homeowners need to pay special attention when watering the lawn.
Mandatory restrictions are now in effect in many cities, including Frisco, Arlington, Rowlett, Denton, Flower Mound, Dallas and Fort Worth.
Because of continuing drought conditions, most communities are prohibiting the use of automated sprinkler systems between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Evaporation can waste up to half of the amount of water used during daylight hours.
Homeowner Debrah O'Toole of Dallas is already tending her garden accordingly. "I don't like waste," she said. "When I've seen water trailing down the street, it's always just offended me naturally, and there's so much evaporation that happens midday, it was just sort of a logical plan for me."
Plano has instituted some of the strictest watering regulations in North Texas. The use of automatic sprinklers is permitted just one night per week between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Homeowners and businesses which violate the new rules will get one warning; after that, a fine up to $2,000 will be assessed.
The key to survival for many lawns and gardens could be a hand-held garden hose. In most cities there are no limitations on manual watering or using a soaker hose.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Frisco feeling heat from water restrictions
By EMILY GOLDSTEIN / The Dallas Morning News
FRISCO, Texas - Frisco residents who violate the city's water restrictions are being slapped with more than just fines: In some cases, their sprinkler systems have been disconnected.
"We have three employees dedicated to driving our streets," Gary Hartwell, director of Frisco's public works department, said Tuesday. "We're pretty much out there all the time."
Frisco and other cities in the North Texas Municipal Water District receive their water from Lake Lavon, which is far below normal levels. The district implemented Stage 3 restrictions last Thursday, and each participating city must decide how to enforce the reductions in water usage.
In Frisco, residents may water lawns only on trash collection day during certain times of the morning and evening. Among other restrictions, hoses for washing cars or cleaning windows, buildings or pavement are prohibited.
If a homeowner is seen violating any of Frisco's water restrictions, the city can turn off the sprinkler system and post a sign in the yard, Mr. Hartwell said.
The signs read "SPRINKLER SYSTEM DISCONNECTED!" and advise residents that they must call the city and pay a $25 "reconnection fee."
More than 100 sprinkler systems have been shut off so far, said Mr. Hartwell, and repeated violations can lead to citations.
In several Collin County cities, the maximum fine for each violation is $2,000, although the cities of Allen and McKinney aren't turning off systems or issuing citations. Yet. Plano won't enforce restrictions until June 19.
Spokeswoman Teresa Warren said the city of Allen is more concerned with ensuring its citizens know and understand the restrictions, so right now, violators are being warned.
"Generally, we're in more of an education mode," Ms. Warren said.
Andrea Smith, Allen's water educations specialist, added that the city has the power to turn off residents' irrigation systems, but "we're looking to change the behavior, not to fine people."
For now, violators of the water restrictions will find door tags with an informational newsletter attached. The newsletter also was sent to the all of the city's water customers, Ms. Warren said.
McKinney is issuing warnings to people who violate water restrictions, relying solely on reports from the city's residents, who can call or fill out a form online, city spokesman Steve Hill said.
"We don't have additional staff to go out and look for violators," said Mr. Hill, adding that the city has received 150 reports of violations.
Reported households will receive postcards detailing the violations. If the same household is reported repeatedly, the city may send someone from the public works department to check the water meter.
The city of McKinney is limiting homeowners to 10,000 gallons of water per month. Users who exceed that amount will face a 25 percent increase in their water bills.
Citations will not be issued until later this month unless a violation is "egregious," but after a third one, the city may shut off a household's irrigation system.
"So far, we've had pretty good compliance from what we can tell," Mr. Hill said.
By EMILY GOLDSTEIN / The Dallas Morning News
FRISCO, Texas - Frisco residents who violate the city's water restrictions are being slapped with more than just fines: In some cases, their sprinkler systems have been disconnected.
"We have three employees dedicated to driving our streets," Gary Hartwell, director of Frisco's public works department, said Tuesday. "We're pretty much out there all the time."
Frisco and other cities in the North Texas Municipal Water District receive their water from Lake Lavon, which is far below normal levels. The district implemented Stage 3 restrictions last Thursday, and each participating city must decide how to enforce the reductions in water usage.
In Frisco, residents may water lawns only on trash collection day during certain times of the morning and evening. Among other restrictions, hoses for washing cars or cleaning windows, buildings or pavement are prohibited.
If a homeowner is seen violating any of Frisco's water restrictions, the city can turn off the sprinkler system and post a sign in the yard, Mr. Hartwell said.
The signs read "SPRINKLER SYSTEM DISCONNECTED!" and advise residents that they must call the city and pay a $25 "reconnection fee."
More than 100 sprinkler systems have been shut off so far, said Mr. Hartwell, and repeated violations can lead to citations.
In several Collin County cities, the maximum fine for each violation is $2,000, although the cities of Allen and McKinney aren't turning off systems or issuing citations. Yet. Plano won't enforce restrictions until June 19.
Spokeswoman Teresa Warren said the city of Allen is more concerned with ensuring its citizens know and understand the restrictions, so right now, violators are being warned.
"Generally, we're in more of an education mode," Ms. Warren said.
Andrea Smith, Allen's water educations specialist, added that the city has the power to turn off residents' irrigation systems, but "we're looking to change the behavior, not to fine people."
For now, violators of the water restrictions will find door tags with an informational newsletter attached. The newsletter also was sent to the all of the city's water customers, Ms. Warren said.
McKinney is issuing warnings to people who violate water restrictions, relying solely on reports from the city's residents, who can call or fill out a form online, city spokesman Steve Hill said.
"We don't have additional staff to go out and look for violators," said Mr. Hill, adding that the city has received 150 reports of violations.
Reported households will receive postcards detailing the violations. If the same household is reported repeatedly, the city may send someone from the public works department to check the water meter.
The city of McKinney is limiting homeowners to 10,000 gallons of water per month. Users who exceed that amount will face a 25 percent increase in their water bills.
Citations will not be issued until later this month unless a violation is "egregious," but after a third one, the city may shut off a household's irrigation system.
"So far, we've had pretty good compliance from what we can tell," Mr. Hill said.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Drought unearths inequities in N. Texas cities
Watering restrictions vary wildly across region
By KRISTEN HOLLAND / The Dallas Morning News
Dallas resident Peggy Gormley shakes her head as she looks across her dry lawn to the lush, emerald green yards just across Westside Drive in Highland Park.
It just takes one look at her front yard to know she doesn't water often, she joked.
"Not more than once a week," she said proudly. "Some of them water every day."
With no rain on the horizon and water restrictions being enacted throughout the region, water is a hot commodity. A few cities, such as Highland Park and University Park, haven't enacted restrictions, though.
That unsettles some Dallas residents, who must watch their yards die while neighbors in the Park Cities – in some cases right across the street – can water around the clock.
"It bothers me for them to turn their sprinklers on full-blown at 12 o'clock," said Diane Roberts, who lives on the south side of Armstrong Avenue in Dallas. The north side of the street is in Highland Park.
The border between Dallas and the Park Cities isn't the only area where neighbors must comply with very different water restrictions. Homeowners along Dallas' southern border are in similar straits because DeSoto, Duncanville and Lancaster – all served by Dallas Water Utilities – have no water restrictions.
Dallas' ordinance isn't as restrictive as those in some Collin County cities.
Dallas prohibits landscape watering from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but doesn't specify which days or for how long residents can water. Like the Park Cities, Dallas doesn't receive water from the North Texas Municipal Water District, and spring rains left its five reservoirs in relatively good shape.
Prolonged drought has drawn down Lake Lavon, which is the North Texas water district's primary source, so much that the district recently asked its 60 or so cities and customers to limit landscape watering to once a week.
Grapevine Lake, the sole water source for Highland Park and University Park, is about six feet below normal.
Though Highland Park hasn't activated water restrictions since 2000, town officials say they're trying to curb use.
Residents are required to have sensors on irrigation systems to prevent them from operating when it rains or during a freeze. And the town, along with University Park and the Park Cities Municipal Water District, updated its conservation and drought contingency plans last year, said James Fisher, Highland Park's secretary and director of public works.
Fletcher Ward, who lives on the Highland Park side of Armstrong, said homeowners could also get in trouble if water flows into the street. "Everyone pretty much uses common sense," he said.
That said, some Highland Park residents questioned why the town hadn't initiated water restrictions. "It's been so hot," said Michelle Brown, who lives in West Highland Park.
Mrs. Roberts, from the Dallas side of Armstrong, also questions Highland Park's policies.
"We all have to be aware that we probably are in the midst of a drought and must do everything to save water," she said.
Highland Park resident Wendy Crafton takes another approach altogether. She acts like there are restrictions in place.
"I just kind of do it self-imposed," she said. "My sprinkler system goes off every other day and it's at like 5 a.m. I self-water my pots twice a week."
"So far, so good," she said.
It's much of the same in University Park, where city leaders have encouraged conservation but haven't enacted voluntary watering restrictions.
Dallas resident Bob Grimes, who lives three homes west of Highland Park, stopped short of criticizing the town's lack of formal restrictions.
"I guess if I thought about it I'd have a problem," he said. "It ain't a city problem, it's a regional issue. We all draw from the same reserves."
Vigilia Clayton, a Mesquite resident who works in a home on Armstrong, was a bit more pointed in her criticism. She said the rules should be the same for everyone.
"It's unfair," she said. "The rich people can do whatever they want."
Watering restrictions vary wildly across region
By KRISTEN HOLLAND / The Dallas Morning News
Dallas resident Peggy Gormley shakes her head as she looks across her dry lawn to the lush, emerald green yards just across Westside Drive in Highland Park.
It just takes one look at her front yard to know she doesn't water often, she joked.
"Not more than once a week," she said proudly. "Some of them water every day."
With no rain on the horizon and water restrictions being enacted throughout the region, water is a hot commodity. A few cities, such as Highland Park and University Park, haven't enacted restrictions, though.
That unsettles some Dallas residents, who must watch their yards die while neighbors in the Park Cities – in some cases right across the street – can water around the clock.
"It bothers me for them to turn their sprinklers on full-blown at 12 o'clock," said Diane Roberts, who lives on the south side of Armstrong Avenue in Dallas. The north side of the street is in Highland Park.
The border between Dallas and the Park Cities isn't the only area where neighbors must comply with very different water restrictions. Homeowners along Dallas' southern border are in similar straits because DeSoto, Duncanville and Lancaster – all served by Dallas Water Utilities – have no water restrictions.
Dallas' ordinance isn't as restrictive as those in some Collin County cities.
Dallas prohibits landscape watering from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but doesn't specify which days or for how long residents can water. Like the Park Cities, Dallas doesn't receive water from the North Texas Municipal Water District, and spring rains left its five reservoirs in relatively good shape.
Prolonged drought has drawn down Lake Lavon, which is the North Texas water district's primary source, so much that the district recently asked its 60 or so cities and customers to limit landscape watering to once a week.
Grapevine Lake, the sole water source for Highland Park and University Park, is about six feet below normal.
Though Highland Park hasn't activated water restrictions since 2000, town officials say they're trying to curb use.
Residents are required to have sensors on irrigation systems to prevent them from operating when it rains or during a freeze. And the town, along with University Park and the Park Cities Municipal Water District, updated its conservation and drought contingency plans last year, said James Fisher, Highland Park's secretary and director of public works.
Fletcher Ward, who lives on the Highland Park side of Armstrong, said homeowners could also get in trouble if water flows into the street. "Everyone pretty much uses common sense," he said.
That said, some Highland Park residents questioned why the town hadn't initiated water restrictions. "It's been so hot," said Michelle Brown, who lives in West Highland Park.
Mrs. Roberts, from the Dallas side of Armstrong, also questions Highland Park's policies.
"We all have to be aware that we probably are in the midst of a drought and must do everything to save water," she said.
Highland Park resident Wendy Crafton takes another approach altogether. She acts like there are restrictions in place.
"I just kind of do it self-imposed," she said. "My sprinkler system goes off every other day and it's at like 5 a.m. I self-water my pots twice a week."
"So far, so good," she said.
It's much of the same in University Park, where city leaders have encouraged conservation but haven't enacted voluntary watering restrictions.
Dallas resident Bob Grimes, who lives three homes west of Highland Park, stopped short of criticizing the town's lack of formal restrictions.
"I guess if I thought about it I'd have a problem," he said. "It ain't a city problem, it's a regional issue. We all draw from the same reserves."
Vigilia Clayton, a Mesquite resident who works in a home on Armstrong, was a bit more pointed in her criticism. She said the rules should be the same for everyone.
"It's unfair," she said. "The rich people can do whatever they want."
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Plano water restrictions may impact youth sports
By STEVE STOLER / WFAA ABC 8
PLANO, Texas - Water restrictions in Plano could have a major impact on thousands of kids who play youth sports.
The Plano Parks & Recreation superintendent, Doug Green, said a combination of dry weather and cutbacks in watering could prove dangerous and he fears dozens of public athletic fields may have to be closed.
The department is the largest water user in the city. To keep the parks clean, they use about 600 million gallon of water every year.
While Plano parks are usually watered three times a week, sprinklers will now only used once a week to save about 400 million gallons of water a year. However, the change could lead to brown fields and impact the sports played in the area.
"Oh, I think we will be very sad, but I realize there is nothing we can do about it," said Julie Hobert, a Plano parent.
Green said without substantial rain, fall youth sports program could be severely impacted.
"If we don't get any rain and we continue watering under these restrictions, we will eventually lose access to these fields," he said.
With little rain and the cut down in watering, the fields will likely crack, grass could die and surfaces could turn uneven and unsafe.
"We had a warm-up out there other day and the ball bounces weird, you know, bounces up and catches a kid in the chin," said Wes Lanning, a baseball coach. "It's going to be rough."
However, Green said any impact on sports is necessary.
"It's far better to have water to drink than it is to put it out here on the ground to make it greener," Green said.
Wise, Parker and Ellis counties also reinstated burn bans Monday. The bans prohibit fireworks and will stay in place at least a month or longer.
By STEVE STOLER / WFAA ABC 8
PLANO, Texas - Water restrictions in Plano could have a major impact on thousands of kids who play youth sports.
The Plano Parks & Recreation superintendent, Doug Green, said a combination of dry weather and cutbacks in watering could prove dangerous and he fears dozens of public athletic fields may have to be closed.
The department is the largest water user in the city. To keep the parks clean, they use about 600 million gallon of water every year.
While Plano parks are usually watered three times a week, sprinklers will now only used once a week to save about 400 million gallons of water a year. However, the change could lead to brown fields and impact the sports played in the area.
"Oh, I think we will be very sad, but I realize there is nothing we can do about it," said Julie Hobert, a Plano parent.
Green said without substantial rain, fall youth sports program could be severely impacted.
"If we don't get any rain and we continue watering under these restrictions, we will eventually lose access to these fields," he said.
With little rain and the cut down in watering, the fields will likely crack, grass could die and surfaces could turn uneven and unsafe.
"We had a warm-up out there other day and the ball bounces weird, you know, bounces up and catches a kid in the chin," said Wes Lanning, a baseball coach. "It's going to be rough."
However, Green said any impact on sports is necessary.
"It's far better to have water to drink than it is to put it out here on the ground to make it greener," Green said.
Wise, Parker and Ellis counties also reinstated burn bans Monday. The bans prohibit fireworks and will stay in place at least a month or longer.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Collin County renews burn ban
PLANO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/WFAA.com) - Collin County officials reinstated a burn ban Tuesday covering all unincorporated areas of the county.
The prohibition of all outdoor burning will remain in force for 90 days or until dry conditions improve.
The order, signed by Judge Ron Harris, also banned the sale and use of certain fireworks—including "skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins"—ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
Violators of the regulations face a misdemeanor offense.
Collin County joins 81 other Texas counties with burn bans in effect, according to the Texas Forest Service.
PLANO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/WFAA.com) - Collin County officials reinstated a burn ban Tuesday covering all unincorporated areas of the county.
The prohibition of all outdoor burning will remain in force for 90 days or until dry conditions improve.
The order, signed by Judge Ron Harris, also banned the sale and use of certain fireworks—including "skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins"—ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
Violators of the regulations face a misdemeanor offense.
Collin County joins 81 other Texas counties with burn bans in effect, according to the Texas Forest Service.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Plano to enter stage three water restrictions
Carol Cavazos, WFAA ABC 8
PLANO, Texas - The lack of rain is taking its toll on Lavon Lake and as a result water supply to 13 cities is in jeopardy.
This means Plano will enter phase three of their water restrictions on Monday.
The 21,000 acre lake is located near the town of Wylie. Normal lake levels are around 492 feet below sea level.
Right now the water is more than 10 feet below that.
This lake is the primary source of water for more than a million people.
North Texas water consumption is up 30 percent on this time last year.
"During the winter months, North Texas Municipal Water District typically delivers 200 million gallons of water a day during the winter period. That level almost more than doubles in the summer months due to the outdoor irrigation practices in the community which we serve," said Denise Hickey, from North Texas Municipal Water.
They want people to cut down on outdoor watering.
But homeowners already under stage three water restrictions are already seeing the affects on their lawns.
"We're just going to have to let it die. What we can do is water our foundation - that's more important than our lawn," said Rosie Hernandez, a Wylie homeowner.
Officials expect the drought to last through 2006.
The goal of stage three is to reduce water consumption by just 5 percent.
Carol Cavazos, WFAA ABC 8
PLANO, Texas - The lack of rain is taking its toll on Lavon Lake and as a result water supply to 13 cities is in jeopardy.
This means Plano will enter phase three of their water restrictions on Monday.
The 21,000 acre lake is located near the town of Wylie. Normal lake levels are around 492 feet below sea level.
Right now the water is more than 10 feet below that.
This lake is the primary source of water for more than a million people.
North Texas water consumption is up 30 percent on this time last year.
"During the winter months, North Texas Municipal Water District typically delivers 200 million gallons of water a day during the winter period. That level almost more than doubles in the summer months due to the outdoor irrigation practices in the community which we serve," said Denise Hickey, from North Texas Municipal Water.
They want people to cut down on outdoor watering.
But homeowners already under stage three water restrictions are already seeing the affects on their lawns.
"We're just going to have to let it die. What we can do is water our foundation - that's more important than our lawn," said Rosie Hernandez, a Wylie homeowner.
Officials expect the drought to last through 2006.
The goal of stage three is to reduce water consumption by just 5 percent.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Little Elm residents left with no water
LITTLE ELM, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Critically low water levels in Little Elm left many with no supply on Wednesday.
Officials have imposed an immediate ban on all outdoor watering as part of stage 4 of a drought plan.
The ban will last until supply increases - a line from N.T. Water Supply System is days away from being completed.
In the past, Frisco has supplied the area with water, but due to water shortages of its own, it has been unable help out this time.
Water pressure in Little Elm dropped at around 11 p.m. last night; by 7 a.m this morning, supply had ceased altogether for some people.
"There is water in my Little Elm neighborhood this morning, but water pressure was very low last night," said one resident.
In Sunnyvale, a broken pump coupled with high water usage left the town’s water supply dangerously low, Mayor Jim Phaup said.
“We are concerned that we are going to run out of water to supply the town,” Mr. Phaup said.
On Tuesday evening, officials used a reverse 911 telephone system to ask residents to curb water use, the mayor added. City workers also knocked on doors to notify people about the water emergency, and consumption dropped significantly overnight.
Once the broken pump is repaired, Mr. Phaup said the town will be able to return to its regular watering schedule.
“We are going to keep that up for the next few days.”
Kimberly Durnan from the Dallas Morning News contributed to this report.
LITTLE ELM, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Critically low water levels in Little Elm left many with no supply on Wednesday.
Officials have imposed an immediate ban on all outdoor watering as part of stage 4 of a drought plan.
The ban will last until supply increases - a line from N.T. Water Supply System is days away from being completed.
In the past, Frisco has supplied the area with water, but due to water shortages of its own, it has been unable help out this time.
Water pressure in Little Elm dropped at around 11 p.m. last night; by 7 a.m this morning, supply had ceased altogether for some people.
"There is water in my Little Elm neighborhood this morning, but water pressure was very low last night," said one resident.
In Sunnyvale, a broken pump coupled with high water usage left the town’s water supply dangerously low, Mayor Jim Phaup said.
“We are concerned that we are going to run out of water to supply the town,” Mr. Phaup said.
On Tuesday evening, officials used a reverse 911 telephone system to ask residents to curb water use, the mayor added. City workers also knocked on doors to notify people about the water emergency, and consumption dropped significantly overnight.
Once the broken pump is repaired, Mr. Phaup said the town will be able to return to its regular watering schedule.
“We are going to keep that up for the next few days.”
Kimberly Durnan from the Dallas Morning News contributed to this report.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Little Elm, Sunnyvale face water shortages
By KIMBERLY DURNAN / The Dallas Morning News
Two North Texas towns have issued emergency water restrictions asking residents and businesses to not water lawns or landscaping until further notice.
In Sunnyvale, a broken pump coupled with high water usage left the town’s water supply dangerously low, Mayor Jim Phaup said.
“We are concerned that we are going to run out of water to supply the town,” Mr. Phaup said.
On Tuesday evening, officials used a reverse 911 telephone system to ask residents to curb water use, the mayor said. City workers also knocked on doors to notify people about the water emergency, and consumption dropped significantly overnight, he said.
Once the broken pump is repaired, Mr. Phaup said the town will be able to return to its regular watering schedule.
“We are going to keep that up for the next few days,” he said.
In Denton County, Little Elm implemented its emergency water plan prohibiting residents and businesses from any outdoor watering.
Residents said water pressure in the town dropped at around 11 p.m. Tuesday night. By 7 a.m Wednesday morning, some residents reported no water at all.
Little Elm officials did not immediately return phone calls.
WFAA ABC 8 contributed to this report.
By KIMBERLY DURNAN / The Dallas Morning News
Two North Texas towns have issued emergency water restrictions asking residents and businesses to not water lawns or landscaping until further notice.
In Sunnyvale, a broken pump coupled with high water usage left the town’s water supply dangerously low, Mayor Jim Phaup said.
“We are concerned that we are going to run out of water to supply the town,” Mr. Phaup said.
On Tuesday evening, officials used a reverse 911 telephone system to ask residents to curb water use, the mayor said. City workers also knocked on doors to notify people about the water emergency, and consumption dropped significantly overnight, he said.
Once the broken pump is repaired, Mr. Phaup said the town will be able to return to its regular watering schedule.
“We are going to keep that up for the next few days,” he said.
In Denton County, Little Elm implemented its emergency water plan prohibiting residents and businesses from any outdoor watering.
Residents said water pressure in the town dropped at around 11 p.m. Tuesday night. By 7 a.m Wednesday morning, some residents reported no water at all.
Little Elm officials did not immediately return phone calls.
WFAA ABC 8 contributed to this report.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Low lakes may put damper on holiday boating
By STEVE STOLER / WFAA ABC 8
Those planning to take the boat out on a North Texas lake during the 4th of July weekend may find a snag in their plans.
Lakes such as Lake Lavon are missing a lot of water and are now in crisis.
Lavon, which feeds water to 46 cities in North Texas, is more than 10 feet below normal.
Grapevine and Lewisville lakes are experiencing the same problem. At least three ramps on Grapevine Lake are closed and at least five are closed on Lewisville Lake.
By STEVE STOLER / WFAA ABC 8
Those planning to take the boat out on a North Texas lake during the 4th of July weekend may find a snag in their plans.
Lakes such as Lake Lavon are missing a lot of water and are now in crisis.
Lavon, which feeds water to 46 cities in North Texas, is more than 10 feet below normal.
Grapevine and Lewisville lakes are experiencing the same problem. At least three ramps on Grapevine Lake are closed and at least five are closed on Lewisville Lake.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Fireworks fans face Fourth of July dud
Drought-related bans limit use, and vendors say sales are bombing
By ED HOUSEWRIGHT / The Dallas Morning News
Fireworks enthusiasts should consult a map this Fourth of July.
Severe drought has prompted some North Texas counties to enact total fireworks bans and others to impose partial restrictions.
To add confusion, other counties, such as Dallas, have no new prohibitions this summer. You still can't shoot off fireworks in Dallas County except in unincorporated areas.
In Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties, the ban on all fireworks use has left the roadside pyrotechnics vendors lonely.
"Sales are terrible," said Lonny Hardcastle, who runs a stand near Lake Lavon. "I'll probably lose $40,000 or $50,000."
On the eve of the holiday weekend, some fireworks vendors are making last-minute legal pitches to block the bans.
In Collin County on Thursday, a state district judge denied a request from Alamo Fireworks for a temporary restraining order. On Wednesday, a Tarrant County judge rejected the company's request.
Alamo Fireworks claimed that bans are "an indirect attempt to prohibit the sale of all fireworks that exceeds the authority of the county and restricts interstate commerce."
Collin County has licensed more than 50 fireworks stands, but their operators spend most of the day watching cars whiz by without stopping.
"Yesterday, we had four customers," said Cody Wisdom, a vendor outside Wylie. "Today, we haven't had a single sale."
Texas fireworks laws are complex and convoluted, which might help explain why so few people are buying fireworks. For example, counties can ban the sale of "skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins." But they cannot ban firecrackers and other spewing or exploding devices.
That's why roadside stands are open in Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties – even though purchasers can't legally shoot the fireworks anywhere in those counties. But they could drive from Collin County to adjacent Fannin County, for example, to pop them legally.
Ed Etgen, who lives near a fireworks stand outside Melissa in Collin County, says he's puzzled.
"If you can't shoot them, why sell them?" he said. "It baffles me why it's set up that way."
Blame state lawmakers, county officials say.
A slew of regulations governs the display, storage, sale and discharge of pyrotechnics – with exceptions and exclusions.
To further muddy the water, some fireworks aren't really "fireworks." These so-called "novelty items" have small amounts of explosives and are sold at major retailers, such as Target. These devices, which closely resemble regulated fireworks, can legally be used in counties that have banned fireworks.
"During the 4th of July, I carry a book with me of all the fireworks rules," Collin County Fire Marshal Steve Deffibaugh said.
The regulations governing fireworks stands are intended to reduce the possibility of a fire and to prevent injuries. For example, vendors must keep a 10-foot-wide area around the stand "free of high grass, empty cardboard boxes or trash," according to state law.
Fireworks can't be displayed behind glass "through which direct sunlight will shine on the fireworks." Operators must have "Fireworks" and "No Smoking" signs in "letters no less than four inches high" and "conspicuously posted on the inside and outside of each entrance door ..."
In addition, a counter must separate buyers from the fireworks. The operator must hand customers the products after they point at what they want.
"It's a safety thing," Mr. Deffibaugh said. "It's like firearms. You don't have firearms where people can just pick them up, unless you've got some type of safeguards."
But the novelty items with small amounts of gunpowder are an exception. Customers can handle them at places such as Target because they really are not "fireworks" under the law.
County bans on fireworks this summer are aimed at safety, too, because of the lingering drought and concern that a tiny spark could ignite a deadly blaze.
"I think we would be irresponsible if we didn't do it," Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes said.
Professional fireworks shows are exempt from the bans.
Individuals who can't resist the urge to light a firecracker face up to a $500 fine.
"There are going to be extra deputies out," Mr. Deffibaugh said. "We are going to have air surveillance. But it's like speeding. Cars are going down the road – you can't get them all."
Mr. Etgen, who lives near Melissa, expects many people to thumb their nose at the fireworks ban.
"People buying these fireworks are looking for the closest place they can go," he said. "I figure if they buy them, they're going to want to shoot them."
Collin County fireworks vendors are practicing a sort of "don't ask-don't tell" policy. They are not required to tell customers that fireworks can't legally be fired, Mr. Deffibaugh said.
Statewide, some fireworks vendors are challenging the legality of the bans.
In Midland on Wednesday, a federal judge denied a request by the Texas Pyrotechnic Association for a temporary restraining order against the 13 Texas counties that have imposed bans.
"The granting of a temporary restraining order would almost certainly disserve the public interest," U.S. District Judge Harry Lee Hudspeth wrote in his denial order. "The Defendant counties have acted to ban or limit fireworks in an effort to prevent uncontrolled fires.
"As this is written, devastating wildfires are burning in New Mexico, Arizona, and other southwestern states, threatening lives and damaging property."
Staff writers Ian McCann and Marice Richter contributed to this report.
_____________________________________________________________
RESTRICTIONS BY COUNTY:
TOTAL BAN ON ALL FIREWORKS USE*
Collin, Denton, Tarrant
BAN ON AERIAL FIREWORKS ONLY
Grayson, Hunt, Rockwall
NO NEW RESTRICTIONS**
Dallas, Fannin
* professional fireworks shows exempt
** individuals can use fireworks only in unincorporated areas
Drought-related bans limit use, and vendors say sales are bombing
By ED HOUSEWRIGHT / The Dallas Morning News
Fireworks enthusiasts should consult a map this Fourth of July.
Severe drought has prompted some North Texas counties to enact total fireworks bans and others to impose partial restrictions.
To add confusion, other counties, such as Dallas, have no new prohibitions this summer. You still can't shoot off fireworks in Dallas County except in unincorporated areas.
In Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties, the ban on all fireworks use has left the roadside pyrotechnics vendors lonely.
"Sales are terrible," said Lonny Hardcastle, who runs a stand near Lake Lavon. "I'll probably lose $40,000 or $50,000."
On the eve of the holiday weekend, some fireworks vendors are making last-minute legal pitches to block the bans.
In Collin County on Thursday, a state district judge denied a request from Alamo Fireworks for a temporary restraining order. On Wednesday, a Tarrant County judge rejected the company's request.
Alamo Fireworks claimed that bans are "an indirect attempt to prohibit the sale of all fireworks that exceeds the authority of the county and restricts interstate commerce."
Collin County has licensed more than 50 fireworks stands, but their operators spend most of the day watching cars whiz by without stopping.
"Yesterday, we had four customers," said Cody Wisdom, a vendor outside Wylie. "Today, we haven't had a single sale."
Texas fireworks laws are complex and convoluted, which might help explain why so few people are buying fireworks. For example, counties can ban the sale of "skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins." But they cannot ban firecrackers and other spewing or exploding devices.
That's why roadside stands are open in Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties – even though purchasers can't legally shoot the fireworks anywhere in those counties. But they could drive from Collin County to adjacent Fannin County, for example, to pop them legally.
Ed Etgen, who lives near a fireworks stand outside Melissa in Collin County, says he's puzzled.
"If you can't shoot them, why sell them?" he said. "It baffles me why it's set up that way."
Blame state lawmakers, county officials say.
A slew of regulations governs the display, storage, sale and discharge of pyrotechnics – with exceptions and exclusions.
To further muddy the water, some fireworks aren't really "fireworks." These so-called "novelty items" have small amounts of explosives and are sold at major retailers, such as Target. These devices, which closely resemble regulated fireworks, can legally be used in counties that have banned fireworks.
"During the 4th of July, I carry a book with me of all the fireworks rules," Collin County Fire Marshal Steve Deffibaugh said.
The regulations governing fireworks stands are intended to reduce the possibility of a fire and to prevent injuries. For example, vendors must keep a 10-foot-wide area around the stand "free of high grass, empty cardboard boxes or trash," according to state law.
Fireworks can't be displayed behind glass "through which direct sunlight will shine on the fireworks." Operators must have "Fireworks" and "No Smoking" signs in "letters no less than four inches high" and "conspicuously posted on the inside and outside of each entrance door ..."
In addition, a counter must separate buyers from the fireworks. The operator must hand customers the products after they point at what they want.
"It's a safety thing," Mr. Deffibaugh said. "It's like firearms. You don't have firearms where people can just pick them up, unless you've got some type of safeguards."
But the novelty items with small amounts of gunpowder are an exception. Customers can handle them at places such as Target because they really are not "fireworks" under the law.
County bans on fireworks this summer are aimed at safety, too, because of the lingering drought and concern that a tiny spark could ignite a deadly blaze.
"I think we would be irresponsible if we didn't do it," Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes said.
Professional fireworks shows are exempt from the bans.
Individuals who can't resist the urge to light a firecracker face up to a $500 fine.
"There are going to be extra deputies out," Mr. Deffibaugh said. "We are going to have air surveillance. But it's like speeding. Cars are going down the road – you can't get them all."
Mr. Etgen, who lives near Melissa, expects many people to thumb their nose at the fireworks ban.
"People buying these fireworks are looking for the closest place they can go," he said. "I figure if they buy them, they're going to want to shoot them."
Collin County fireworks vendors are practicing a sort of "don't ask-don't tell" policy. They are not required to tell customers that fireworks can't legally be fired, Mr. Deffibaugh said.
Statewide, some fireworks vendors are challenging the legality of the bans.
In Midland on Wednesday, a federal judge denied a request by the Texas Pyrotechnic Association for a temporary restraining order against the 13 Texas counties that have imposed bans.
"The granting of a temporary restraining order would almost certainly disserve the public interest," U.S. District Judge Harry Lee Hudspeth wrote in his denial order. "The Defendant counties have acted to ban or limit fireworks in an effort to prevent uncontrolled fires.
"As this is written, devastating wildfires are burning in New Mexico, Arizona, and other southwestern states, threatening lives and damaging property."
Staff writers Ian McCann and Marice Richter contributed to this report.
_____________________________________________________________
RESTRICTIONS BY COUNTY:
TOTAL BAN ON ALL FIREWORKS USE*
Collin, Denton, Tarrant
BAN ON AERIAL FIREWORKS ONLY
Grayson, Hunt, Rockwall
NO NEW RESTRICTIONS**
Dallas, Fannin
* professional fireworks shows exempt
** individuals can use fireworks only in unincorporated areas
0 likes
Return to “USA & Caribbean Weather”
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: cstrunk, txtwister78 and 18 guests