TxDOT says littering is exacerbating flash floods, trapping cars on I-635

Dallas Fire Rescue responded to two incidents of multiple cars stranded on IH635 on Tuesday, May 28. Another similar incident occurred just yesterday, Sunday, June 2.

Pamela Jackson, who frequently travels on IH635 for work, expressed concern after witnessing videos of the flooding incidents. She noted the rapid onset of flooding after even short periods of rain, which she finds alarming.

“It’s kind of scary because it seems like something’s wrong with the drainage system because it can only rain for like 30 minutes and you already got flooding, and it’s pretty scary,” said Jackson.

Jackson’s worries stem from the potential of encountering flooded roads during her commute.

“It just seems like it shouldn’t flood that quickly,” she remarked.

Kenna Mitchell from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) highlighted the role of litter exacerbating flooding during heavy rainfall.

“Our crews are having to go into some of these high-water areas and unclogging the drains, and they’re pulling out a lot of litter. Some of that is just getting washed down different embankments or perhaps it’s already along the roadways,” she explained.

Mitchell mentioned that in the past week, crews have dealt with numerous instances of flash flooding across the metro area, leading to hazardous driving conditions.

“Typically before forecasted rains, we are out doing sweeping, we are checking drains for any issues, but the problem becomes where sometimes once we’ve cleared an area, it’s just a matter of time before the litter bugs hit it again and start dropping more debris in those areas,” she elaborated.

She noted that construction along highways might contribute to flooding depending on various factors such as the intensity of the weather event and the condition of the area.

“Some work zones where there already are narrowed lanes, the water might take a little more time to recede through that area,” Mitchell clarified.

Considering the rapid accumulation of litter and intense rainfall, Mitchell advised drivers to assess the necessity of travel during severe weather and to check road conditions at DriveTexas.org before embarking on a journey.

“You have to be on your guard when you’re in these weather situations,” Mitchell cautioned.