Residents are advised to be aware of high-water conditions during heavy rainfall  

Heavy rainfall in the area may create high-water conditions throughout Dallas. The public is advised to heed all warning signs and be aware of the dangers of driving or walking into flooded areas.  

Heavy rain can quickly create high-water hazards with little warning. Never assume that you can cross a flooded area on foot or in a vehicle. Be smart and avoid approaching flooded streets, streams or any body of water. Turn around and find another route that is safe. Turn Around. Don’t Drown. 

City of Dallas staff monitors conditions and responds to both routine and emergency calls. During heavy rain events, many locations can experience street flooding at one time. Staff works around the clock to address blockages in the drainage system created by storm debris or other impediments. Residents should call 3-1-1 to report street flooding conditions and avoid driving through flooded streets. If someone is in harm’s way, immediately call 9-1-1. Even six inches of fast-moving water can sweep a person off his or her feet. And the force of just one foot of water can push a car off the road. 

The City of Dallas Water Utilities staff maintains and operates approximately 30 miles of levees and over 1,800 miles of storm drainage pipelines through regular inspection, cleaning, repair and emergency response. The city has about 700 miles of creeks and channels, of which 160 miles are owned by the city, as well as 39,000 acres of public and private floodplain. All stormwater in the city must make its way to the Trinity River through streets, pipes, creeks and channels by flowing downhill or by being pumped through a series of street and large-scale pump stations.  

As part of maintaining and operating the drainage system, staff monitors, responds to and dispatches crews to address both routine and emergency calls. During heavy rainfall, DWU flood control staff work around the clock to address blockages created by debris, grass clippings and other impediments. Flooding can happen anywhere therefore DWU proactively addresses maintenance of the entire system, responds during heavy rainfall events and assesses areas post events.  

Follow these flood safety tips:  

• Heed all warning signs. 
• Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around barricades: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!  
• Watch for rising water levels. 
• Know where high ground is and move there quickly if you see or hear rapidly rising water. 
• Do not attempt to cross flowing water or standing water when you do not know its depth. 
• Do no try to drive through flooded areas — most flood-related deaths occur in automobiles. 
• If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and seek higher ground immediately. 
• Be especially cautious at night. 

• Follow the advice of local emergency management officials before going on area lakes or rivers. 

For up-to-date rainfall totals in Dallas, visit this link: COD Rainfall. For additional flood safety tips, visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-during.