Flood warnings have been issued for North Texas through Friday morning, according to the NWS

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning at 12:27 a.m. Thursday, from 7 a.m. until 7 a.m. Friday. The watch serves Jack, Wise, Denton, Collin, Palo Pinto, Parker, Tarrant, Dallas, Rockwall, Kaufman, Van Zandt, Erath, Hood, Somervell, Comanche, Mills, Hamilton and Lampasas counties.

Flooding caused by excessive rainfall remains possible for portions of north-central and northeast Texas, including Collin, Comanche, Dallas, Denton, Erath, Hamilton, Hood, Jack, Kaufman, Lampasas, Mills, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant , Wise and Van Zandt Counties from 7 a.m. this morning through Friday morning.

“Excessive runoff can result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Floods can occur in poorly drained and urban areas. Low water crossings may become flooded,” the NWS explains. “You should keep an eye on later forecasts and be alert to possible flood warnings. Those living in flood-prone areas must be prepared to take action if flooding occurs.”

This watch applies until Friday 7 a.m

Protect yourself during a flood with these tips from the NWS

If you live in a flood-prone area or are currently camping in a low-lying area, it is critical to seek higher ground immediately. If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Make sure that your home is properly locked when you leave the building. If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances. Avoid entering basements or rooms with submerged electrical outlets or cords. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, popping or popping sounds, evacuate immediately. Avoid entering water where electrical current may flow and avoid walking through flood water. Remember, just 6 inches of moving water can knock you over. If you are trapped by moving water, find the highest point possible and contact emergency services by calling 911.

If there is heavy rain there is a risk of flooding, especially in areas that are low lying or prone to flooding. It is critical that you never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the NWS, just a foot of fast-moving water can sweep away most vehicles.

What steps should you follow when driving in the rain?

• Turn on your headlights — Even when it’s light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.

• On Road — Drive in the center lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate along the edges of roads.

• Avoid puddles — Driving in puddles or areas with little rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or lose control.

• Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles — Trucks or buses may produce a jet of water that obscures visibility.

• Avoid flooded areas — When you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and head back. The strong currents caused by flash flooding can pull motorists off the road. Driving through deep water can also negatively impact a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.

What is aquaplaning?

Hydroplaning is the term for the uncontrolled sliding of a vehicle on wet roads.

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

1. Vehicle Speed ​​— As a vehicle’s speed increases, the tires’ grip and ability to control the vehicle decrease. In wet weather, drive at a lower speed.

2. Water Depth — The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. No matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to aquaplaning.

3. Tire Tread Depth — It’s important to check the tread on your tires before hitting the road because low or no tread can lead to sliding.

If your vehicle is hydroplaning, here’s what you need to know:

• Release the accelerator pedal — Release the accelerator pedal to slow the vehicle until the tires find traction.

• Getting into a skid — If you get into a skid, the vehicle’s tires can be realigned to regain control.

• Return the tires to the road — If you skid, wait for the tires to contact the road again, then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.

• Brake gently if necessary: ​​brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock braking system and pump brakes gently if it is an older vehicle.

Source: The National Weather Service