Additional flash flooding possible with more rain forecast

A flash flood watch covering much of North and East Texas continues through Thursday morning. Flash flood watches and warnings cover parts of Texas from the Rio Grande to the Red River.

The National Weather Service says an additional two to five inches of rain are possible.

Since the rain started last weekend, TxDOT crews have been clearing brush and branches from drains along highways to try to keep them clear, but a spokesman says driving could still become dangerous.

"Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related death in Texas. We want motorists to know if they're on a highway or on a city street, if they approach a road with water on it, we want them to turn around and not drown," says TxDOT's Val Lopez. "You should never, ever walk, swim or drive through still or moving water. You don't know what's in there. It could be tree branches, power lines or damage to the roadway."

According to TxDOT, about 60% of flood-related deaths in Texas involve someone in a car.

Lopez says people can lose control or be swept away in as little as six inches of water.

"Once you lose control of your vehicle, it becomes a very, very dangerous situation," he says. "If you stall in that deep water, what we're advising people is to move to higher ground if you can do that safely."

He says the same amount of water can carry off SUVs and pick-up trucks.

"People in those vehicles tend to think they're insulated from the danger of moving water because they're in a taller, bigger vehicle," Lopez says. "That's just not the case. It just does not take much to push them off."

Some highways and side streets were closed because of high water this weekend. Some were blocked with barricades and signs, but Lopez says some were driving around barricades.

"That is dangerous to your health, of course, but also, that is a violation and motorists can be fined up to $2,000," he says.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Alan Scaia, 1080 KRLD