Heavy rains are expected in many areas of Texas this week as Tropical Storm Hermine moves through the area. The National Weather Service and the Texas Division of Emergency Management urge Texans to avoid low water crossings and driving on flooded roadways. When there's water running across a road, drivers should always turn around and choose a different route.

Drivers are encouraged to monitor weather and travel updates. Information on road conditions is available from the Texas Road Condition and Travel Information Line (800.452.9292) and on www.txdot.gov.

National Weather Service data also shows:

* Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related,

* The majority of victims are males, and

* Flood deaths affect all age groups.

Most flash floods are caused by slow moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms that move repeatedly over the same area or heavy rains from tropical storms and hurricanes.

Follow these safety rules:

* Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.

* If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.

* Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown

* Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.

* Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.

* Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Flash Floods

These floods can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography, soil conditions and ground cover.

Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 30 feet or more. Furthermore, flash flood-producing rains can also trigger catastrophic mud slides.

Occasionally, floating debris can accumulate at a natural or man-made obstruction and restrict the flow of water. Water held back can cause flooding upstream. Subsequent flash flooding can occur downstream if the obstruction should suddenly release. More information can be obtained at the Southern Region Flood Hazards Page.

These are the facts:

* Six inches of water can cause tires to lose traction and begin to slide.

* Twelve inches of water can float many cars. Two feet of rushing water will carry off pickup trucks, SUV's and most other vehicles.

* Water across a road may hide a missing segment of roadbed or a missing bridge.

* In flash floods, waters rise so rapidly they may be far deeper by the time you are halfway across, trapping you in your vehicle.

* Flash floods are especially treacherous at night when it is very difficult to see how deep waters may be or how fast water is rising.

* Floodwater weakens roadbeds. Drivers should proceed cautiously after waters have receded, since the road may collapse under the weight of the vehicle.