Flash Flooding A Severe Weather Danger In North Texas
Arlington Still Bears Scars Of Remarkable Flooding Event
ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - It was a storm that even long-time North Texans have rarely witnessed.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine moved from the Texas coast into the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Arlington received the brunt of the storm. As much as 10 inches of rain fell on September 8th of last year.
Nearly 200 homes and apartments, many near the Rush Creek area in East Arlington, were damaged by flood waters. "It happened so quickly that most people could hardly get anything out other than what they could carry in their hands," remembered Wayne Liles. He's lived through three floods while living in Arlington. Liles says last year's flood was the worst.
And then there's the story of Barry Stagner. Six months after the flood, his house is still under repair. One memory that Barry remembers vividly is watching the water rise. He went inside to get the keys to his truck. "Ten seconds later, come back out. Where's the truck? We found it after the waters receded, four houses down," said Stagner.
North Texans must respect the danger and threat that flooding poses. Unfortunately, high water rescues are common in the area. What happens if you find yourself caught up in fast-running flood waters?
Mark Stout is a member of the Grapevine Fire Department and its Swift Water Rescue Team. He says to try and get behind a rock or tree. "If you get behind that, it's easier to hang on. You can keep your stamina about you. You won't lose your strength," said Stout.
The easiest rule to remember if you are caught outside, in a vehicle, and see high water on the road is to simply turn around. Even six inches of water is enough to knock a person off their feet.
And when the rain stops, flood waters can still rise because of the runoff. If you have children, make sure they don't play near storm drains.
Flash flooding happens quickly. A person may have minutes, and on some occasions seconds, to make a decision thatcould save their life.
