As severe weather pounds Central Texas, keep safety first. Looking for flooded low water crossings in your area? The interactive map at ATXfloods is the place to check for current flood conditions and emergency road closures in the Austin area.
Local law enforcement blocks off the north Dry Creek bridge where a stranded vehicle from the rising flood water in South Austin on early Friday Morning, May 27, 2016.
RICARDO B. BRAZZIELL/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
SEE MORE PHOTOS OF STORMS AND FLOODING IN CENTRAL TEXAS
During severe weather, the safest thing to do is avoid the roads. But if you must drive, the city of Austin offers several safety tips.
About 75% of flood-related deaths in Texas occur in vehicles. At night, during heavy storms, it may be difficult to see that a road is flooded. Survivors have told us that they did not even see water on the road until their vehicle stalled in it.
DOWNLOAD: Statesman Weather app keeps you forewarned oniPhone and Android devices
Realizing that not all flooded roads will be barricaded, take the following precautions:
- Avoid low water crossings.
- Actively look for water over the road.
- Turn around if a road is barricaded or if water is over the road. Keep in mind that the road may be heavily damaged underneath the flood water.
RELATED: Closures, cancellations, delays following overnight storms
There’s high danger at low water crossings. Find out what to do if you get trapped in your vehicle in flood waters.
RELATED: Flash flood warning for parts of Travis, Hays counties
