A record-breaking rainstorm in Galveston during Labor Day weekend led to severe flooding and traffic disruptions, leaving many vehicles stranded and roads impassable. Despite heavy rainfall, tourists still flocked to the island, but locals are urged to remain cautious as further precipitation is expected.
GALVESTON, Texas-The torrential rainstorm that occurred in Galveston during the Labor Day weekend caused widespread flooding and traffic interruptions for thousands of people departing the island.
The National Weather Service reported more than five inches of rain throughout the weekend. At 1:40 p.m. on September 2, Galveston reported 5.53 inches of rainfall, which shattered the previous record of 4.64 inches, set in 1941.
Heavy rains started falling early on Monday morning, flooding roadways. This was especially the case on Broadway Street and Stewart Road between 81st and 75th roadways. 61st Street, which runs from Interstate 45 to the seawall, came to a complete halt due to the heavy impact the incident had on traffic.
Vehicles were unable to move and were backed up along important thoroughfares. Many drivers were forced to navigate through high water, and some vehicles were rendered inoperable as a result of floods affecting their vehicles.
The Galveston police department was compelled to close off a number of routes, including sections of Heards Lane close to Offatts Bayou, since the water levels had reached an elevated and potentially hazardous level. There were additional barricades placed on Stewart Road; nonetheless, there were automobiles that attempted to get over the barriers. According to reports, the traffic signals in the West End were not functioning properly, which made the already difficult driving circumstances even more difficult.
Flooding spread beyond the streets, and the old cemeteries in Galveston, located between 40th and 43rd Streets, looked like lakes. Headstones rose from the water in these cemeteries. In spite of the marginal improvement in the East End, Ferry Road remained impassable for a significant portion of the morning, as Councilman Bob Brown stated.
Officials in charge of tourism reported that the wet weekend did not prevent tourists from enjoying the island on Saturday and Sunday, despite the fact that the bad weather had been present.
Mayor Craig Brown observed that the large number of vehicles that left the island on Monday was a favorable reflection of the turnout that occurred over the weekend. "I was really concerned about the forecasts going into the weekend, but it didn’t seem to deter tourists," he explained to reporters.
Even though the rain persisted throughout the day, the National Weather Service issued a warning to the locals about the persistent flooding of the streets.
It is recommended that they exercise caution when traveling on flooded highways. The overall amount of precipitation for the day could increase even further, further complicating the situation on the island. Additional rainfall is anticipated.
Officials are advising Galveston residents and visitors to remain attentive and prioritize safety when navigating the flooded streets. The city is continuing to recover from the record-setting rains that occurred earlier this week.
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