DFW Weather: Heavy rains cause flooding, road closures and water rescues across North Texas

DALLAS — A Flood Watch remains in effect for Dallas and Tarrant counties through 8 p.m. on Monday, but the overnight storms have already brought deep pooling, and morning and afternoon commute headaches aplenty, to roads throughout the North Texas region. 

Due to the damage, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins has declared a state of disaster in the county to request state and federal assistance for affected residents. Jenkins is asking resident to report damage by using the following link: damage.tdem.texas.gov or scan the QR code with smart phone. 

According to the National Weather Service Fort Worth, several records have been broken at DFW Airport after the rainfall – it’s now the second wettest 24-hour period on record with just over nine inches of rain. The City of Balch Springs — located just east of Dallas — reported more than 10 inches of rain in just a few hours. 

Cars across the DFW can be seen stranded on the sides of roads, seemingly in the wake of drivers attempting — and failing — to drive through flooded stretches of road. 

Watch live radar of the still-active storms here:

Arlington Public Works is advising drivers to avoid several roads due to high water. 

In Balch Springs, the rain has led to power outages and reports of flooding Arrowdell Road at Hickory Creek. The city has opened the Balch Springs Recreation Center as a shelter in the meantime.

Some residents had to be rescued from their homes in Balch Springs. 

Dallas ISD said some buses may be delayed as they navigate through the city. 

For any questions about DISD transportation, the district urges parents to call 972-925-4BUS. 

Dallas Police said it was responding to several high water calls in the city. 

“Be prepared to find alternate routes today,” tweeted Dallas Police. 

According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, crews have responded to roughly 200 high water incidents since Sunday night. 

According to a breakdown from Dallas Fire-Rescue, crews responded to 195 high-water incidents, 2 water in building and 39 water rescue calls between 6 p.m. Sunday and 2:30 p.m. Monday. 

The Dallas Firefighters Museum also suffered considerable damage nearly 18 inches of water entered the building. 

In Dallas County, there were more than 8,300 customers without power as of Monday, according to Oncor. By late afternoon, that number dropped to below 150 customers. 

Dallas Police reported that at least 22 squad cars were damaged or destroyed in Monday’s storms. 

Emergency crews in Seagoville said dozens of residents, including small children and a baby, were rescued from high water.  

Dallas Area Rapid Transit has also sent out a notice warning rides that both its bus and light rail services could be delayed this morning due to flooding concerns.

The City of Duncanville, meanwhile, is warning families that its school buses could see delays this morning because of the rains.

Fort Worth, Tarrant County

Fort Worth ISD said said there may be delays for bus routes Monday afternoon due to flooding in the area. 

In Fort Worth, MedStar reported that it responded to at least 23 crashes overnight and conducted at least one water rescue.

Roads across North Texas are experiencing backups due to weather-related concerns.

According to Fort Worth Fire, crews are responding to 133 high water investigations since Sunday evening. 

Fort Worth Police tweeted Monday morning that drivers should avoid driving on Forest Park from I-30 to Weatherford Street as Trinity River levels were overflowing onto the road. 

In Tarrant County, Oncor said there were more than 6,900 customers without power. 

Remember: As it’s difficult to determine the depth of flooding on roads, officials recommend drivers never proceed through pools with their cars. In situations where that’s unavoidable, here’s what officials recommend you do.

Mesquite ISD said students on buses have arrived to campuses, but some of them who were not able to get dropped off to their home campuses were taken to the nearest accessible campus. Those students will be fed and supervised by staff, MISD said. 

Here is a breakdown of power outages in North Texas according to Oncor, as of 4:00 p.m. 

In Collin County, there are 21 customers without power. 

In Denton County, there are 19 customers without power. 

In Dallas County, there are 184 customers without power.

In Ellis County, there are 25 customers without power. 

In Hunt County, there are 1 customers without power. 

In Johnson County, there are 9 customers without power. 

In Kaufman County, there are 6 customers without power. 

In Parker County, there are 5 customers without power. 

In Rockwall County, there are 2 customers without power. 

In Tarrant County, there are 143 customers without power. 

In Wise County, there are 4 customers without power. 

To view outages in your area, click here.

TEXRail is operating at reduced speeds due to safety. 

“Riders can expect delays throughout the day as the rain continues,” the TEXRail. 

This is a developing story. It will be updated with additional details as they come.