Updated · Texas weather
Warning versus watch
A flash flood watch means conditions could lead to flooding. A warning means flooding is underway or about to start in your area. During a warning, the safest trip is the one you put off. If you have to drive, check your route first and skip roads that are known to flood.
Turn around, don't drown
Never drive into water covering a road, no matter how shallow it looks or how many cars went through before you. You can't see the depth, the current, or whether the pavement underneath has washed away. The National Weather Service warns that about a foot of moving water can carry off many cars, and two feet can sweep away most vehicles, pickups and SUVs included.
At night, water over the road is even harder to spot. If the pavement ahead looks dark and glassy, or there's a barricade, turn around and find another way. Never drive around a barricade.
Plan around the low spots
Flooding tends to hit underpasses, low-water crossings and roads that run beside creeks first. Pick a route on higher ground, even if it's longer, and keep a map app with road-closure alerts open.
- Check local road closures before leaving.
- Stay away from underpasses and roads along creeks.
- Turn around at any barricade or covered road.
- Slow down in heavy rain and leave extra space ahead.
If water rises around your car
If your car stalls or water starts rising around it, call 911. Leave the car for higher ground only if you can do it without stepping into moving water.
If water is rising inside the car and you can't get out safely, unbuckle, open a window, and climb onto the roof while you wait for rescue.
After the water goes down
If your car sat in water that reached the bottom of the doors, don't try to start it. Water in the engine or the electrical system can do serious damage the moment you turn the key, and a jump start won't help. That car belongs at a repair shop, and getting it there takes a tow, which we don't provide.
Even roads that drained can be left covered in debris: branches, nails, screws and broken glass. Watch the pavement and look over your tires the next day. A nail or screw caught early in the tread can often be repaired instead of replacing the tire.