Texas residents rescued from flooding as more rain drenches waterlogged state

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/may/29/texas-flooding-residents-rescued-missing

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Dozens of Texas residents have been rescued after heavy rainfall caused major flooding in parts of the waterlogged region early on Friday morning while emergency responders continue to search for missing residents, and forecasters warn of even more rain in the coming days.

Officials said responders have performed several “high water rescues”. In Dallas County, emergency responders answered rescue calls overnight involving at least 12 stranded vehicles, the Dallas Morning News reports. In Johnson County, officials said they have responded to at least 19 rescues.

We are at 19 rescues and continuing to receive some calls.

There are no reports of injuries or fatalities, but authorities are impressing upon residents via social media to avoid dangerous situations.

As of early Friday morning, flood warnings extended nearly 800 miles from southern Texas to central Missouri. The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Trinity river in Dallas, which has not crested above 42ft since 1991, meteorologist Alex Lamers said on Twitter.

4:50 AM CDT — Major flooding now forecast along the Trinity River in Dallas. Has not crested above 42 ft since 1991. pic.twitter.com/v2ugsN4CGq

Authorities are asking motorists who have to drive through high-water areas to stay off the roads, or find alternate routes. Those living near low-lying creeks or streams were warned to move to higher ground.

Rain has continued to fall on the battered region since Memorial Day weekend and throughout the week, wreaking havoc on parts of Texas and Oklahoma. Between Saturday and Tuesday, at least 35 people in Texas, Oklahoma and northern Mexico have died as the result of the weather, officials said. Many more remain missing.