Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
PHARR, TEXAS — In response to severe weather and localized flooding, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDOT) Pharr District deployed emergency crews early this morning to close several off-ramps to the eastbound Interstate 2 (I-2) frontage road in the Weslaco and Mercedes areas.
Intense, heavy downpours quickly inundated the roadway earlier today, leading to significant water accumulation and leaving some motorists stranded. TxDOT crews remain on the scene managing traffic control and assessing infrastructure safety.
With additional rain in the forecast, TxDOT personnel are continuously monitoring both regional weather developments and highway conditions through this evening and into the overnight hours. Crews stand prepared to implement further closures on any state highways that become impassable due to rising waters.
Critical Driver Safety Guidance:
- Respect All Barricades: Motorists are strictly reminded that driving around high-water barricades is both illegal and highly unsafe. Barricades are placed for life-saving protection.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never attempt to drive through moving water or flooded intersections. It takes surprisingly little running water to stall a vehicle or sweep it off the road.
- Limit Travel: TxDOT strongly advises residents to limit non-essential travel while weather conditions remain unstable.
How to Monitor Real-Time Road Conditions:
If travel is absolutely necessary, motorists are urged to check their routes beforehand by visiting DriveTexas.org.
To maximize the tool’s features, users can navigate to the tabs on the right-hand side of the DriveTexas.org webpage to:
- Access TxDOT’s live, streaming traffic cameras.
- Check for active, weather-related travel delays.
- View real-time updates on flooded roadways or identify areas where flooding is highly likely.
TxDOT will continue to provide updates as road conditions evolve. Stay tuned to local media outlets and official TxDOT social media channels for the latest regional traffic alerts.
Information source: TxDOT
