Low-water crossings and flash floods are a real driving hazard in Burleson County

Burleson County's flood risk is not just a riverbank issue. The county hazard plan says the FEMA floodplain crosses all of the county's major roads, which can limit travel across and around the county.

TxDOT's flash-flood rule is plain: if water is over the road, turn around. TxDOT says flash flooding is Texas' leading weather-related killer. It also says six inches of fast-moving water can make a vehicle lose control, even a pickup or SUV.

Do not drive around barriers at flooded crossings. TxDOT lists penalties up to $2,000 and/or 180 days in jail for driving around barriers blocking low-water crossings or flooded roadways.

During storms, check DriveTexas and the NWS Burleson County forecast before the trip and again before you leave. Treat those as live tools, not a guarantee that every rural crossing has been reported. If water, debris, or a barricade is on the road, take another route.