GREGG COUNTY, Texas — As round pounded East Texas in the past several days, public safety officials are urging drivers to use extreme caution on the roads.
During flash flood warnings many roads get flooded and roads close off due to excessive rain pouring. “Turn around, don’t drown” has become a common phrase in the vocabulary of law enforcement and meteorologists. However, the importance of the simple phrase cannot be overstated.
Lt. Josh Tubb of the Gregg County Sheriff’s Offices says drivers need to make sure they use extreme caution if they have to drive during these type of weather conditions.
"The important part is motorists need to pay attention,” Lt. Tubb explained. “Look ahead of them while they're driving slow down and let their speed match the conditions that way in case they run up on a flooded roadway. They don't end up in the flood before they're able to stop there."
Flooded roads are often blocked off by barricades set up by DPS, TxDOT and other public safety officials. It is against the law to drive around the barriers.
Lt. Tubb says driving around a barricade is a Class B misdemeanor, similar to a DWI, a could cost drivers up to $2,000.
Not only do drivers need to watch out for flooded areas, but also debris that may be on the road as well.
"Watch for a tree. Whenever gets in the late night hours that may have fallen across the road due to the soggy conditions,” Lt. Tubb explained. “Anytime we have a weather event and we just as drivers to pay attention and watch."
