Flash flood warning for North Texas until Wednesday midday caused by thunderstorms

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A flash flood warning was released by the NWS Fort Worth TX on Wednesday at 9:24 a.m. in effect until 12:30 p.m. The warning is for Dallas, Kaufman and Rockwall counties.

"At 9:24 a.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. The heavy rain is falling over areas that received multiple rounds of heavy rain, resulting in rapid river and stream rises as well as less inundation of water into urban drainage systems," states the NWS. "Flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas."

Locations impacted by the warning include Dallas, Garland, Mesquite, Rowlett, Wylie, Rockwall, Balch Springs, Sachse, Ennis, Terrell, Seagoville, Forney, Kaufman, Royse City, Heath, Fate, Sunnyvale, Crandall, Combine and Talty.

According to the NWS, "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe."

This warning is in effect until 12:30 p.m.

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Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform, and Esri.

Ways to stay safe during a flood according to the NWS

If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, get out. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it. Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.

During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, according to the NWS.

What to do in the rain on the road?

• Turn on headlights - Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
• While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
• Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
• Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
• Steer clear of flooded areas - When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The three main causes of hydroplaning are:

1. Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
2. Water depth - The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
3. Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

• Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
• Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
• Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
• Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots Fort Worth

This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 9:27 AM.