Rains Cause Slick Streets, Flooded Roadways

EL PASO, TX. — Heavy rains pounded the borderland overnight Friday, and showers turned streets into rivers.

The rain started in El Paso a short time before 10 p.m., and the showers quickly turned one part of I-10 into a parking lot.

Within minutes, I 10 near Piedras was full of water, making it dangerous, if not impossible, for drivers to pass through. Police quickly closed down the westbound lanes of the interstate at that location, and traffic was backed up for miles as a result.

Officers also diverted traffic off the interstate before cars approached the Spaghetti Bowl. The exit ramp at I 10 and Raynolds, which is also prone to flooding, remained closed until the storms let up.

Heavy rains also flooded several residential areas. One was near the intersection of Magnolia and Yandell, just north of the heaviest problem spot on I 10.

Rain water surged through the street, making travel extremely dangerous. Police rushed out o help one woman get out of her car safely. At the same time, another driver came through and his car appeared to float in the water.

Shortly afterward, police closed down both ends of the problem blocks to prevent further water emergencies.