City of Hays
The City of Hays is urging motorists and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution as steady rainfall inundates low-lying areas, streets, and intersections throughout the community.
The National Weather Service placed Hays under a Flash Flood Warning as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday, with widespread rainfall forecast to persist across Ellis County throughout the day.
City officials advise travelers to never drive through flooded roadways, to reduce speeds wherever water begins to pool, and to steer clear of drainage channels, stormwater retention basins, and culverts.
"Most flood-related fatalities occur when motorists attempt to navigate standing or running water," said Chief of Police Don Scheibler. "Just a foot of moving water can float a vehicle or push it off the roadway. It is impossible to see whether the pavement beneath the surface is compromised or washed out. If you encounter water over a road, do not take the chance, turn around, find an alternate route, and never bypass barricades."
City Public Works crews are monitoring high-risk intersections, low-water crossings, and drainage networks across town.
"Our stormwater collection systems are operating at full capacity, but persistent rainfall means water will collect quickly in dips, intersections, and roadside ditches," said Public Works Director Jesse Rohr. "We strongly remind everyone to stay out of drainage ditches and canals. The velocity and suction in those channels can overwhelm even strong swimmers in seconds. We ask drivers to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and give our maintenance and emergency personnel ample space to work."
Basic Flood Safety Rules:
· Turn Around, Don't Drown: As little as 6 inches of rapidly moving water can sweep an adult off their feet, and 12 to 24 inches can carry away passenger vehicles and pickup trucks.
· Avoid Drainage Infrastructure: Keep children and pets away from drainage ditches, culverts, and retention areas where water flow is swift, hidden, and dangerous.
· Observe Road Closures: Disregarding road-closure barricades puts lives at risk and constitutes a traffic violation.
· Use Extra Caution in Pooling Water: Standing water on paved roads can cause vehicles to hydroplane and lose steering control.
To report hazardous roadway pooling or obscured storm inlets, contact the Public Works Department at (785) 628-7350. For immediate emergencies, dial 911.