Heavy rains from Hermine causes flooding
Remnants of tropical storm Hermine passed through Grand Prairie Tuesday dumping more than six inches of rain in some areas of the city. The heavy rain caused flooding in low areas that kept police, fire, and city crews busy most of the day blocking streets and responding to emergencies.
The Irving Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Team had to be called in to help rescue an elderly couple stranded at their home in the 700 block of West Oakdale. The water over Oakdale became too deep for Grand Prairie firefighters to reach the couple with their fire engines. The Irving team used a small boat to get the couple to safety.
Grand Prairie Battalion Chief B. Murphy said the two were never in danger, the water did not get into their home, but the couple requested to be taken out when they became stranded by the flood water.
It was feared Tuesday morning that several residents of the Fox Hollow Apartments, 1008 S. Belt Line, would have to be evacuated when water from a nearby creek rose to the steps of an apartment building.
Sandbags brought in by the City were placed outside the units as a precautionary measure, but the water never rose high enough to reach any unit. No one had to be evacuated.
“I have the best residents in Grand Prairie, “said Sabrina Allen, Fox Hollow Manager, as several residents of the complex waded through waist deep water, carrying and stacking sandbags to help make sure the water did not get into any of their neighbors' apartment.
