Fast-moving, heavy thunderstorms deluged the Metroplex Thursday morning, dropping up to 3 inches of rain and triggering flood advisories, flood warnings and swift water rescues of a group of children.
The Dallas police said five teens pulled from Red Bird Creek, near the 1300 block of Reynoldston Lane in southwest Dallas, were taken to Children's Medical Center in Dallas after being rescued.
The kids became trapped by rising water along the creek and were transported to the hospital for evaluation. Authorities said the kids were playing in a drainage tunnel when rainwater overwhelmed them.
Nearly two inches of rain fell in the area near Red Bird Creek in less than 45 minutes,
National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Fox said a half-inch of rain fell Thursday morning on North Texas, but Dallas and some suburbs such as Rockwall received up to 3 inches.
More heavy rain and lighting is expected Thursday; hail and gusty winds remain possible.
Officials warn fast, heavy rain can pool quickly and fill creeks beyond their banks. Those who are out in the weather are advised to use extreme caution when close to pooling or rising water.
Flooding reported inside the Dallas County Courthouse began to recede as the storms passed.
Flood Advisories in Effect
A fourth flood advisory has been issued for Ellis County until 12:45 p.m. as well.
Flash flood warning for Dallas, Collin, Kaufman and Rockwall counties until 1:15 p.m.
A flood advisory for Hunt County has been issued through 2 p.m.
Oncor reports approximately 18,000 customers have lost electric service due to the weather.
Early morning traffic across the eastern part of the Metroplex was impacted by the heavy rain. Drivers on Interstate 35E, around the area of the Dallas North Tollway, reported pooling water, flooding a portion of the roadway.
Drivers are advised to use extreme caution when driving in areas where water has collected.
Most everyone in North Texas will see some heavy rain at some point during the day. Storms will shift east during the evening. Friday, along with Mother's Day weekend, looks dry and warmer.
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