Officials urge public to avoid roadways amid city flooding, downed lines

Officials are urging residents to stay off roadways unless travel is absolutely necessary after posting on Facebook that crews are responding to multiple flooded streets and downed power lines throughout the city, officials said.

The post advised people to remain indoors and avoid travel until conditions improve. It included the hashtags #FYI, #PublicSafety and #TurnAroundDontDrown, a reminder not to drive through floodwaters.

Flooded roadways and downed lines create immediate hazards, including stranded vehicles, roadway damage and risk of electrocution from live wires, emergency management experts say. Turn Around Don’t Drown is a national public safety campaign warning drivers that water depth and current can easily overwhelm a vehicle.

Officials did not provide additional details in the post about the number of streets affected or the expected duration of disruptions. Residents should monitor official channels for updates and contact emergency services only for urgent needs. We will provide more information as it becomes available.