Animals could be stranded by major river flooding in Texas

As severe weather continues to threaten much of northern and eastern Texas, local officials and federal agencies are urging residents to move livestock and property to higher ground, warning that failure to do so could result in animals being stranded.

With numerous rivers forecast to crest above flood stage in the coming days, agricultural communities are preparing for minor to moderate flooding across ranchlands and low-lying areas.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood warning on Monday morning for the Red River near Gainesville, stating that “major flooding is occurring and is expected to continue.” The agency advised that “livestock and other property should be removed to places which are at least 12 feet higher than nearby riverbanks to avoid being stranded.”

Why It Matters

Flooding along Texas rivers could submerge rural roads, pasturelands and key access routes, leaving farmers unable to reach animals or equipment.

The 12-foot elevation guideline is considered a conservative buffer to protect animals and property based on historic flood behavior and forecasted crest levels.

The Red River is currently at 35.7 feet, well above its 25-foot flood stage, and is expected to remain elevated through Friday. At this level, pastures and pecan groves are typically inundated, with surrounding infrastructure isolated or damaged.

What to Know

The NWS in Norman, Oklahoma, which also monitors parts of North Texas, forecasts “locally heavy rainfall and flooding” beginning late Monday through Tuesday. Thunderstorm activity, some of which may be severe, is predicted to intensify after 9 p.m. Monday, extending into the following day.

Ranchers and rural residents are being advised to identify elevated locations away from rivers and creeks—particularly for livestock such as cattle and horses, which may not be easily moved once water levels rise.

“Do not drive cars through flooded areas,” the NWS warned. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

The Red River near Gainesville is expected to remain in flood stage through Saturday morning. In addition to crops and livestock, NWS Norman warned that oil wells, rural roads, and sandpit operations could be affected. Western Love County, Oklahoma, and Cooke County, Texas, will “experience overflows several hours before the crest reaches the Interstate Highway I-35 crossing north of Gainesville.”

Across the nation, 35 rivers are in minor flood stage, with most of those located in eastern Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

At the Sulphur River near Talco, Texas, officials stated that cattle and farm equipment located in river bottoms should be moved promptly. Minor flooding is forecast to begin midweek, with the river cresting on Thursday morning.

What People Are Saying

NWS lead meteorologist Kaitlin Schueth, who works at the Norman, Oklahoma, office, told Newsweek: “We broke several records for rainfall. This is kind of a widespread, unheard of event. We had areas that got 10 to 14 inches of rain in seven days. We are well-above our rainfall totals for the end of April.”

NWS in a Monday forecast: “A more focused heavy rainfall event will develop to the east along portions of the central/southern High Plains, southern Plains, and into the Lower Mississippi Valley over the next couple of days. An influx of moist Gulf air will flow northwestward ahead of a low pressure/frontal system emerging onto the Plains coincident with the eastward progression of the upper low. The combination of this anomalously moist air, upper-level dynamic support, and upslope flow with increasing proximity to the Rockies will bring widespread showers and thunderstorms producing heavy downpours and the potential for several inches of rainfall.”

What Happens Next

Officials continue to monitor water levels and precipitation across flood-prone regions. The NWS advised residents to visit weather.gov/safety/flood for preparedness guidance and local updates.

Farmers in affected counties are being encouraged to maintain emergency access routes, keep feed and veterinary supplies at elevated locations, and notify neighbors of any relocation plans to ensure community-level coordination.