TxDOT crews on standby for possible flooding in Deep East Texas

DEEP EAST TEXAS, (KTRE) - As the rain has moved into deep East Texas and is expected to stick around a few days, county officials and the Texas Department of Transportation are working together to monitor roads for flooding.

“We’re monitoring the problematic areas, we’re looking for flooding, we’re watching our ditches,” Public Information Officer for TxDOT Rhonda Oaks said.

The TxDOT district office in Lufkin covers nine counties in Deep East Texas.

As heavy rainfall is expected to continue throughout Saturday and roads in the area could experience closures due to flooding. Oaks said they are prepared for instances like these.

“Our guys are already out there in all nine counties; they are monitoring the roadways. They know the problem areas before it ever starts raining. So, they are looking at those areas, and keeping an eye on them,” Oaks said.

Oaks said if the rain continues, people should expect road closures to happen.

“While it will flood, we want the main message to be to the drivers to slow down, watch out for our trucks, our barricades, our cones and if you see them don’t drive around them,” Oaks said.

She said residents should report flooded areas as well.

“If they come up on a flooded roadway, by all means call 911 and let local authorities know, they get in touch with us if we don’t know about it or haven’t seen it yet and we’ll get out and either close it, monitor it, and we’ll let the public know,” Oaks said.

Oaks suggests people should stay off the roads, if possible, but if you have to be on the road, be aware and stay safe.

“Prepare for whatever might be ahead of you on the road, and if you are slowing down, and if you are watching and being alert and putting your phone down, you’re likely going to be able to handle anything you may come up on,” Oaks said.

For more information on road closures in Deep East Texas, visit the Big Red Box on our website.

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