Severe Weather: How It Impacts Our Roads

Severe weather can happen anytime! This affects our safety, especially when we are on the road. In North Texas, our streets are most commonly impacted by flooding, freezing or storm damage. Here’s what to expect and what to consider when each of these severe weather types occur.

Car in water, tree fallen, and cars lines up in winter weather

FLOODING

During heavy rainstorms, flash flooding can happen. Streams and stormwater inlets may get overwhelmed with the surge of water, which can cause a backup in street gutters and low areas. When this occurs, you can expect water buildup on the streets.

What you should do: Wait it out. If you can, you should wait for the rain to stop before you travel. The water should subside shortly after the storm. 

What you shouldn’t do: You shouldn’t drive into areas where the road is not visible. Turn around, don’t drown. 

Keep in mind that the Garland Street Department will close roads prone to flooding during heavy rainstorms. Garland has six locations that have the potential to flood during heavy rains. We have installed floodgates in these areas with warning signs to alert motorists.

Who to contact if you see flooding or flooding is impacting you: Call 911 if there is an immediate emergency. Otherwise call the Street Department at 972-205-3555 during normal business hours or 972-205-3210 to reach an after-hours operator.

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Storm Damage

When storms develop in our city, the damage caused can affect the way we travel. Debris and fallen trees may block roads, causing travel delays and service disruptions.

Stormy Weather Ahead sign

What you should do: Stay indoors. Don’t travel unless it is absolutely necessary! 

What you shouldn’t do: You shouldn’t drive around the neighborhood surveying the damage. Unnecessary traffic hinders storm cleanup crews. 

The Garland Street Department will have crews on-site as soon as possible! We normally have a crew on standby when a storm is anticipated. Our first priority is to clear the roads for emergency vehicles. After the area is drivable and emergencies have been addressed, the crews will begin the proper cleanup process. This can be a time-consuming process and varies based on the damage caused by the storm, so we appreciate your patience. 

Who to contact if you see debris due to storm damage on the roads: Call 911 if there is an immediate emergency. Otherwise call the Street Department at 972-205-3555 during normal business hours or 972-205-3210 to reach an after-hours operator.

Fallen tree

Other Resources

https://www.txdot.gov/driver/weather.html
https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather


freezing

Winter storms may disrupt services and increase the risk of car accidents. The buildup of a thin layer of ice on roads makes traveling dangerous during that time and causes travel delays.

What you should do: Stay indoors. Don’t travel unless it is absolutely necessary! 

What you shouldn’t do: If you have to travel, you shouldn’t drive like it’s a normal day. Even if the roads in your neighborhood are clear of ice, slick spots can be anywhere, creating a dangerous and deadly situation. Also take into consideration that any thawing of the roads during the day often re-freezes overnight, creating sheets of ice that will affect morning traffic. Exercise caution. Do not let your guard down.

The Garland Street Department will have crews sanding bridges and major intersections during freezing weather. This will help with necessary travel. If time allows, we will also sand minor intersections and hills.

Who to contact for any road concerns related to freezing: Call 911 if there is an immediate emergency. Otherwise call the Street Department at 972-205-3555. During icy conditions, we have crews operating on around the clock.

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