(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is warning drivers about flash flooding and offering safety tips amid severe weather and road closures across Southern Colorado.
FOX21 Viewer, Elaine C. submitted a video from near Peterson and Galley in Colorado Springs, which showed flooding in the area.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood watch due to the severe weather on Monday, June 12, the warning is expected to last until midnight. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office also tweeted at 2 p.m. about a tornado warning that was issued for El Paso County, including Fountain and Fort Carson.
FOX21 Viewer, Tristan M. also submitted a video from Security-Widefield which showed quick waters roaring through a drainage ditch in the area.
CSPD shared tips to stay safe during severe weather and what to do in the event of a flash flood:
Don’t drive into high water, if you can not tell how deep water might be on the roadway turn around and find an alternate route.
Avoid waterways & drainage ditches; stay off of banks and low bridges.
Water can rise rapidly and it only takes a few inches to knock someone off their feet.
Water can quickly travel through drainage ditches and other waters, continue to avoid them even if they seem safe and dry.
If you get caught in rising water, move to the highest point you can and call 911.
FOX21 Viewer, Emma W. also sent a video from Fountain, which showed flooding near the corner of Marksheffel and Link.
Road Closures and Bus Delays
Marksheffel Road between Barnes Road and North Carefree Circle is shut down due to flooding.
Milton E. Proby and Powers are also closed at the airport due to flooding.
According to the Colorado Springs Airport, at about 3 p.m. it tweeted that Milton E. Proby Pkwy. was open, adding that there were some road closures surrounding the airport, but the airport is accessible.
Mountain Metro said that Hancock Expressway at Chelton Road is currently closed due to flooding, and Academy Super Stop (3037) is closed.
Other closed roads, according to Mountain Metro include; Main Street and Security Blvd. Other routes are currently seeing minor delays and detours as well due to street flooding.
Flooding seen at Hancock Expressway and Clarendon Drive, courtesy: CSFD
The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) said flooding on roads has caused some cars to become stuck. CSFD said a car can be swept away by as little as six inches of water, and reminds drivers never to try to walk or drive across a road covered in water.
