Deluge of Rain Across Lubbock and the South Plains Causes Flooding and Accidents

The first of three consecutive days of rain came across Lubbock and the South Plains Monday evening.

Just after an hour of rainfall, urban flooding was present at all of the usual low spots in Lubbock, including Quaker between 60^th and the South Loop, Quaker from 34^th to 48^th Streets, the Marsha Sharp Freeway at University, Avenue Q from 22nd to 25th Streets and 98^th and Quaker.

Other trouble spots for flooding on Monday night included US Highway 62/385 in Seagraves and US Highway 87/380 in Tahoka. US 87 in Tahoka was closed down for at least three hours due to immense flooding.

Regional rainfall totals from the Texas Tech Mesonet included over 5.4” inches in Tahoka, 5” inches in Seagraves, 4.6” inches in O’Donnell, 3.3" in Post, 2.3" in Denver City and 1" in Abernathy.  Additionally, over 3.2” of rain was recorded at both the KFYO Studios in Southwest Lubbock and the KAMC Studios in South Lubbock.

Monday evening, the Lubbock Fire Department responded to over 50 calls from 5-9pm. Seven of the calls were reported as structure fires. 

Several stranded motorists were also rescued, including on the Marsha Sharp Freeway main lanes at University.

Lubbock-Cooper ISD has announced that buses will run on pavement only for Tuesday morning, due to the high amount of rain in southern Lubbock County.

Additional rainfall on Tuesday is expected to cause more flooding across the region.