Lake Lewisville Flooding Impacting Dallas
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Despite clear skies Sunday, street level flooding was still a severe problem in Dallas. A whopping 70 swift-water rescues were conducted by the Dallas Police Department over the weekend. Reverse 9-1-1 calls made to warn residents of flash floods Sunday afternoon; police said calls may still go out overnight. Meanwhile, crews have been working around the clock to open at least part of the Loop 12 roadway by Monday. Additionally, authorities are on location Sunday night working to keep drivers away from the flooded Northwest Highway / Stemmons Freeway (I-35 E).
So, why did Dallas see flooding on a sunny day?
The Trinity River can actually handle these flood waters -- what cannot is the Elm Fork of the Trinity. That, according to the Dallas Police Department, is the reason why parts of the city are flooding. Areas are experiencing an uncontrolled spill. In layman's terms, an uncontrolled spill is when water surpasses flood marks and spills over a dam levy. Water overflowing into Dallas streets is from Lake Ray Roberts, Grapevine Lake, and Lake Lewisville. That water is in return overflowing the Elm Fork -- otherwise known as the streams of the river -- which, unlike the Trinity River itself, does not have the capacity to contain the onslaught.
Extra DPD officers out in NW Dallas making sure drivers stay off of flooded roadways. #txflood pic.twitter.com/HScGwGTFnL
— Brian New (@BrianNewCBS) June 1, 2015
Watch the Dallas Police Department's press conference bottom-lining flood details Sunday night:
OLDER DEVELOPMENTS:
6:44pm: City of Dallas to update the Trinity River flooding at 7:30pm. CBS 11 is hearing that the morning commute could be impacted.
6:35pm: W Northwest Hwy still blocked off from Stemmons Freeway to Luna, due to Trinity River flooding.
5:00pm: Some residents east of Combine may have to leave their homes tonight; flash flood warning in effect.
DENTON COUNTY (CBSDFW.COM) — Lake Lewisville passed its 100 year flood mark early Sunday. It now stands at a whopping 537 feet -- and waters only continue to rise, already impacting parts of Dallas.
According to the Office of Emergency Management, the lake is in an uncontrolled spill.
The city of Dallas Sunday afternoon closed streets in the Northwest Highway / Stemmons Freeway (I-35 E) area due to street flooding.
The City of Dallas urges motorists not to drive into water on roadways, and to not drive around barricaded roadways.
— City of Dallas (@1500Marilla) May 31, 2015
A reverse 9-1-1 call flood warning was sent to residents located between Royal Lane and California Crossing, west of I-35.
Hard to avoid the water hazard at the Luna Vista Golf Course (Dallas, TX) today. #txflood pic.twitter.com/e3SrwdX64E
— Brian New (@BrianNewCBS) May 31, 2015
#NEW After Lake Lewisville hits 100 yr flood #Dallas prepares for flooding in parts of city. @CBSDFW #cbs11wx #dfwwx pic.twitter.com/6n9QG0m8Hb
— Jack Fink (@cbs11jack) May 31, 2015
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the Trinity River in downtown Dallas needs to drop below flood stage before it considers re-opening Lake Lewisville's flood gates sending more water downstream.
No residential homes are in the warning area. Businesses and drivers have been asked to avoid area. #txflood pic.twitter.com/W6VqhsDq1Q
— Brian New (@BrianNewCBS) May 31, 2015
Meanwhile, Wag Time rescue shelter in Dallas is asking for volunteers to temporary house dogs after it was forced to evacuate due to flooding...
Phone # correction for Dallas dogs in need at flooded Wag Time: 214-476-8951. @BrianNewCBS #CBS11WX #dfwwx pic.twitter.com/1IizdDWYqD
— CBSDFW (@CBSDFW) May 31, 2015
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