Heavy rain may dampen weekend plans

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Moderate to heavy rain moved into Central Texas Friday evening, and is expected to continue through much of the day Saturday, bringing a chance of flash flooding and hazardous travel conditions.

The National Weather Service issued flash-flood watch for all of the KXAN viewing area, and most of south-central Texas, effective until midnight Saturday night.

The weather could affect weekend activities, including Austin's annual Pecan Street Festival -- which will go on rain or shine.

Core Health Foundation planned their fishing celebration six months ago on Festival Beach and will go forward with their plans no matter how much rain is falling.

"We are going to do anything we can to still make it a great morning," said executive director Nicole Harmon. "We will have tents. It is going to be a covered area."

The event will help fund a wheelchair accessible fishing pier.

Round Rock's Public Safety Day scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday has been canceled because of the forecast of expected thunderstorms.

And, the National Drug Take Back drop off will be moved to the Round Rock Police Department, 2701 North Mays St. because of the rain. The event will still be held from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Trust Austin Rally has been postponed until October 6th and the Animal Collective concert at The Backyard scheduled for Friday night has been moved to the Austin Music Hall.

"We encourage anyone with unused and expired prescription medications to bring them for disposal to the Police Department lobby for safe disposal," the organization said in a news release..

September has already been a wetter-than-average month, but the rain totals are forecast to go even higher with the weekend rain.

A combination of moisture sources, including Pacific Tropical storm Norman and the remnants of Hurricane Miriam, will combine to produce widespread rain across Texas through Saturday night. In addition, a weak front will drop into Central Texas, enhancing the chance for heavy rain.

Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches may be common, with some isolated 6 to 8 inch amounts possible.

The rain should taper off by Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, followed by some very pleasant weather during the day Sunday.

Temperatures on Saturday will remain in the 70s. Highs on Sunday are only expected to reach the low to middle 80s. Dry, pleasant weather is forecast for the first few days of October.