Flooding / Road safety
Flooded Roads Are Dangerous — and Driving Around Barriers Is Illegal
Anderson County has low-water crossings on rural roads that can flood rapidly, and Texas law makes it illegal — with fines up to $2,000 — to drive around barriers on a flooded road.
East Texas creek and river bottoms rise fast during heavy rain. Anderson County has rural FM roads with low-water crossings that can go from dry to several feet of water in a matter of hours. Six inches of fast-moving water can cause a vehicle to lose traction; two feet can sweep most vehicles off the road.
Texas law is direct: never drive around a barrier blocking a low-water crossing or flooded roadway. Doing so carries a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail. Tampering with a warning sign or barrier adds a separate offense. The phrase 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' is used by TxDOT and emergency managers to summarize the rule.
The Trinity River and its tributaries run through Anderson County. The Big Lake Bottom Wildlife Management Area in the county southwest of Palestine floods regularly. After heavy rain, check road conditions before traveling rural routes. TxDOT and local emergency management post closures when conditions change.
Source to confirm: TxDOT — Flash Floods and Low Water Crossings