Fire tape blocks a flooded Austin street after heavy rain in May 2015. As flooding closes roads across Central Texas, officials urge drivers not to bypass barricades or enter flooded crossings. (Drew Anthony Smith/Getty Images)
Nearly 1 to 5 inches of rain had fallen in parts of Central Texas by Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Flash flood warnings for Travis, Hays and Williamson counties had expired by midmorning, but a flood watch remained in effect for much of the region through 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The storm’s main impact in Austin appeared to be flooding at low-water crossings and other flood-prone roads. More than 100 water crossings in the Austin area were closed Monday morning, and officials continued to urge drivers not to cross flooded roads.
According to Texas Transportation Code, it is a misdemeanor to disobey traffic warning signs or drive around barricades on a roadway. If the sign or barricade was placed because water is over part of a road, street or highway, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor. The penalty can depend on the circumstances.
🚨You’ve Been Warned🚨
Driving around flood barricades is illegal and dangerous. Texas Transportation Code 472.022 makes it a crime to ignore road closure signs - with fines up to $2,000 or jail time if rescue is needed. Barricades are there for your safety. Respect them. @TxDPS pic.twitter.com/oSNTSemmBr
— TxDPS - South Texas Region (@TxDPSSouth) March 31, 2025
While Texas drivers might assume road conditions are safe after a storm or feel confident in their driving skills, drivers who attempt to go around barriers often get stuck in flooded low-water crossings or active construction sites.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, only six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicles.
"[Flooding] can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, even heavy pickup trucks and SUVs," TxDOT said. "That’s a major reason why most flood-related deaths in Texas happen in vehicles."
The agency shared these safety tips for Texas drivers:
- Stay informed about weather conditions. Check DriveTexas.org for up-to-date driving conditions and closures.
- Find an alternate route or a path away from still or moving floodwaters. Never drive through them.
- Reduce your speed. Drive to conditions and turn off cruise control.
- Be extra careful driving at night, when it can be harder to see flood dangers.