East El Paso flooding leads to streets being closed off

In a matter of minutes East El Paso received a significant amount of rain Friday night. ABC-7 had issued a First Alert for some severe weather and flooding issues Friday afternoon.

Visibility on I-10 was minimal, and several cars pulled over to the shoulder when the rain was at its peak around 7:05 pm. That’s when the severe thunderstorm warning was issued.

Montwood Dr. was closed off by police near Arnold Palmer Dr. after two cars got stuck in the flood waters. The occupants of the vehicle were able to get out safely.

A gust of 82 mph hour was recorded at the El Paso International Airport. ABC-7 Chief Meteorologist Doppler Dave Speelman said those are hurricane-strength gusts.

At least one departing flight from El Paso to Los Angeles was delayed more than two hours. Nine different arriving flights were also delayed.

The airport recorded just over an inch of rainfall while other parts of town had nearly 2 inches. Doppler Dave says hail estimates ranged around quarter size on the east side – considered damaging hail.

Doppler Radar Hail Estimates

Almost Record Setting Wind Gust