Stay home if you can, be incredibly cautious if you can't. That is the message from police departments this morning as North Texas finds itself partly underwater.
Heavy rain is causing flash flooding across the DFW metroplex, making for an extra dangerous commute.
In Dallas, several roads had to be closed due to flooding. Early this morning, both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I30 at Highway 75 were closed due to high water. It was the same story in Rowlett, where flooding at Dalrock Road totally shut down the entrance of I30.
In Fort Worth, several neighborhoods were plagued with floodwaters. Travel was treacherous in the Linwood neighborhood off West 7th Street, and cars could be seen driving through high water at the intersection of Crockett and Norwood. Police say that's not the right move, don't do it.
"If you see that there's a lot of water, just avoid it," says Cpl. Jaqueline Vergara with Rowlett police. "You don't want to get stuck there and then have another issue."
Listen Live: KRLD Traffic & Weather together on the 8s
According to the National Weather Service, more deaths occur from flooding each year than any other thunderstorm-related hazard. Most happen when someone drives into water. It only takes 12 inches of water to sweep a car away and six to knock an adult off their feet.
If you can't avoid getting out on the roads today, police say you need to drive carefully. Don't speed. Make sure your headlights are on and avoid driving through high water. Give yourself extra time to get where you're going. Also be on the lookout for first responders working out in the weather and make sure to give them space.
"Just be careful," Vergara says. "You can't be careful enough."
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD