Floods in central Texas, August 1-4, 1978

Catastrophic floods caused by record rainfall occurred in central Texas during August 1-4, 1978. Torrential rain initiated by the remnants of tropical storm Amelia fell over south-central Texas during August 1-3, and very intense rain due to the interaction between the cold front and maritime air mass fell over north-central Texas on August 3-4. Rainfall of more than 48 inches near Medina in south-central Texas established a new United States record of extreme point rainfall for a 72-hour period.

Major flooding occurred on the Medina and Guadalupe Rivers. Severe to minor flooding occurred on the Brazos, Llano, Pedernales, and Nueces Rivers. Floods with recurrence intervals in excess of 100 years and recordsetting peak discharges were observed at several streamflow stations.

Thirty three lives were lost and total damages reportedly exceeded $110 million.