Grape Creek is a rural community north of San Angelo, and about 3,594 people live here. Living in the country gives you space and quiet. It also means you may be farther from help when trouble hits. West Texas weather can bring flash floods, hail, strong wind, ice, heat, and fire danger. A few hours of planning can make a big difference.
The National Weather Service office in San Angelo covers this area, and it has named Grape Creek in flash flood warnings. Learn More about Grape Creek and its setting in Tom Green County. This guide covers the main risks and steps to take. Local details change, so confirm current alert systems with county officials.
Know Your Main Risks
San Angelo area weather alerts often include tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, flash flood warnings, red flag fire warnings, and ice storm warnings. Spring brings thunderstorms with large hail. Summer brings heat, with about 30 days a year at 100 degrees or higher. Winter can bring ice, and about 60 days a year fall below freezing. Drought raises fire danger.
Sign Up for Alerts
Tom Green County agencies send alerts through Nixle. You can text your ZIP code to 888777 to sign up for mobile alerts. Local agencies post flash flood, severe weather, and other warnings there. Keep a weather radio with batteries in your home, since cell service can fail. Call 911 for emergencies. The sheriff’s office lists a non-emergency line at 325-655-8111.
Flash Floods
Heavy rain can turn creeks and low water crossings into rivers within minutes. Warnings for the area often list Grape Creek, San Angelo State Park, and O.C. Fisher Reservoir. The weather service repeats one rule: turn around, do not drown. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles. Never drive through water across a road, and be extra careful at night. Know which roads on your route can flood.
Severe Storms and Hail
Severe thunderstorms can bring 60 mile per hour wind gusts that damage roofs, siding, and trees. Move to an interior room away from windows during a tornado or severe storm warning. Park vehicles under cover when you can, and ask your insurer about hail coverage.
Wildfire
Drought dries grass and brush, and open land can burn fast. Clear dead grass and brush around your home. Keep firewood away from the house. Trim limbs that hang over the roof. Watch for red flag warnings, and avoid outdoor burning and sparks on windy days. Plan two ways out of your property.
Winter Storms and Freezes
Ice can knock out power and make country roads dangerous. Keep blankets, warm clothes, and a safe heat source. Protect exposed pipes and outdoor faucets during hard freezes. Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full in winter.
Extreme Heat
Heat can build for days. Drink water often, and check on older neighbors. Never leave children or pets in a parked car. Keep your air conditioner serviced before summer.
Water and Power
Many rural homes use well water or a rural water system. A power outage can stop a well pump. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days. Keep a small generator only if you know how to run it safely, outdoors and away from windows.
Build a Kit
Keep these items in one place:
- Water and non-perishable food for at least three days
- Medicines and a first aid kit
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- A battery or hand-crank radio
- Phone chargers and a power bank
- Copies of important papers
- Cash in small bills
- Pet food and supplies
- Blankets and warm clothes
Make a Family Plan
Pick two meeting places, one near home and one outside your area. Choose an out-of-town contact everyone can call or text. Plan for children, older adults, and pets. If you have livestock, plan where to move them and how to haul them.
Protect Your Trees and Yard
Dead limbs and weak trees can fall in a storm. Have a trained arborist check large pecans, oaks, and mesquite near your house. Remove dead trees before storm season.
Insurance and Records
Review your homeowners policy each year. Know what it covers for hail, wind, fire, and flood, and ask about flood insurance separately. Take photos or video of your home and belongings, and keep a copy in the cloud.
Help Your Neighbors
Rural neighbors help each other first. Share alert sign-up information, and check on older neighbors after storms.
Final Checklist
- Sign up for alerts, and own a weather radio.
- Learn which roads flood.
- Clear dead brush and trees near your home.
- Build and check your kit.
- Make a family plan.
- Review your insurance.
A little work now can protect your family later.
