The National Weather Service issued a flood watch at 4:41 a.m. Wednesday, valid from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday. Guarding is Cooke, Grayson, Fannin, Lamar, Wise, Denton, Collin, Hunt, Delta, Hopkins, Parker, Tarrant, Dallas, Rockwall, Kaufman, Van Zandt, Rains, Erath, Hood, Somervell, Johnson, Ellis, Henderson , Comanche, Mills, Hamilton, Bosque, Hill, Navarro, Freestone, Anderson, Lampasas, Coryell, Bell, McLennan, Falls and Limestone counties.
Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible for portions of North Central and Northeast Texas, including in North Central Texas, Bell, Bosque, Collin, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Falls, Fannin, Freestone , Grayson, Hamilton, Hill, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills, Navarro, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant and Wise counties. In Northeast Texas, Anderson, Delta, Henderson, Hopkins, Lamar, Rains and Van Zandt from 10 a.m. this morning until late Thursday evening.
“Excessive runoff can result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding can occur in poorly drained and urban areas. Low-water crossings may become inundated,” the NWS says. “You should monitor later forecasts and be alert to possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action if flooding occurs.”
This watch applies until 1 a.m. on Friday
Recommendations from the NWS for staying safe during a flood
If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, move to higher ground immediately. If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your house when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. Do not go into a basement or any room if the electrical outlets are flooded or if the cords are underwater. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or popping noises, leave. Stay away from water that may contain electricity. Do not walk through flood water. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you over. If you are trapped by moving water, get to the highest point possible and call 911 if possible.
During periods of heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the NWS, most cars can be swept away by just a foot of flowing water.
What steps should you follow when driving in the rain?
• Turn on your headlights — Even when it’s light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
• On Road — Drive in the center lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate along the edges of roads.
• Stay away from puddles: Driving through puddles or areas with little rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or go out of control.
• Give large vehicles enough space. Trucks or buses can create a water spray that reduces visibility.
• Avoid flooded areas — When you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and head back. The strong currents caused by flash floods can pull motorists off the road. Driving through deep water can also negatively impact a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is aquaplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water builds up in front of the tire faster than the weight of the vehicle can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide over a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, causing the driver to lose control. The three main causes of aquaplaning are:
1. Vehicle Speed — As a vehicle’s speed increases, the tires’ grip and ability to control the vehicle decrease. Drive at a lower speed in wet weather.
2. Water Depth — The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. No matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to aquaplaning.
3. Tire Tread Depth — It’s important to check the tread on your tires before hitting the road because low or no tread can lead to sliding.
If your vehicle is hydroplaning, here’s what you need to know:
• Release the accelerator — Release the accelerator to slow the vehicle until the tires find traction.
• Spinning — Going into a skid allows the vehicle’s tires to realign to regain control.
• Make sure the tires are back in contact with the road — When skidding, wait for the tires to make contact with the road again, then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
• Brake gently if necessary: brake normally if the vehicle has an anti-lock braking system and pump brakes gently if it is an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
