Area Residents Urged to Continue Monitoring Changing Weather

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging East Texans to remain vigilant and closely monitor weather conditions as severe storms are expected to impact the state this week and into the weekend.

Current forecasts indicate severe thunderstorms, large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding and tornadoes across the region throughout the week.

Rising and moving water can threaten not only drivers on the roadways, but people on foot as well as those spending the holiday weekend outdoors near recreational waterways impacted by significant rainfall. Texans are encouraged to follow these safety tips as severe weather continues:

• When severe storms threaten, the safest place to be is indoors.
• Avoid areas already flooded and avoid any fast-flowing water.
• Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection.
• Remember that dangerous waters can seem deceptively calm, and if you encounter flooding, move to higher ground.
• Keep in mind that flood dangers are even harder to recognize at night.
• Stay informed by monitoring weather radios and news broadcasts for updated information on current and anticipated severe weather in your area.

For additional safety tips related to tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding, see: http://dps.texas.gov/dem/ThreatAwareness/weather_aware_severe.htm