EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Heavy rain swept across El Paso, bringing flooding and difficult driving conditions as more storms were expected to move into the area.<\/p>\n
Some residents welcomed the rainfall despite the hazards it can create on city streets. \u201cI love it. We don’t get enough rain at all here, so I know it can be a little tricky, but we need the moisture,\u201d Alex Jay said.<\/p>\n
The downpours created problems on roadways as water pooled in low-lying areas.<\/p>\n
One car stalled in the pouring rain as conditions worsened during the afternoon. Stephen Lee said standing water can build up quickly because of roadway damage. \u201cYou got so many potholes and dips where you have the big puddles and cars getting stuck a lot down here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
With additional storms on the way, some El Pasoans said they are taking extra steps at home to prevent water from getting inside. <\/p>\n
Lee said he recently made a change to protect his house.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust yesterday, I had to install a gutter for our house to keep the rain from coming in up underneath our foundation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Lee also said he is considering another way to prepare.<\/p>\n
Emily Schmalz reports on Heavy rain floods El Paso streets, snarling traffic as more storms loom (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: <\/a>Heavy rain triggers emergency response in New Mexico due to flash flood risk<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe thought about it today. We’re probably going to pick up some on our way home,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Sandbags are one option residents are using to help keep floodwater away from homes.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it’s an excellent way to try to keep the flooding down. It does help,\u201d Jay said.<\/p>\n Drivers said planning ahead and avoiding flood-prone areas can help reduce the risk on the roads. <\/p>\n \u201cYou kind of try to avoid those areas. So I always look ahead to see, you know, what kind of weather, what areas flood,\u201d Alma Valle said.<\/p>\n As more storms were expected, Lee said more work remained to prepare the community for heavy rain.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are a lot of areas that they have gotten ready for the rain, but there’s still a lot that needs to be done,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Safety guidance for drivers included slowing down, watching for flooded roadways and never driving through floodwater.<\/p>\n Valle urged people to look out for one another if someone gets into trouble. <\/p>\n \u201cI just say for them to be careful, you know, and if they get stuck or you need help to call someone and, you know, because we all work together to help each other out. So I think they’ll be okay. So long as, you know, they keep an eye on the road,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n El Paso Water will have sandbags available starting tomorrow morning at 8. Residents who must travel in the rain were urged to give themselves extra time and avoid driving through flooded roadways.<\/p>\n