23 miles of Texas interstate closed for severe flooding

Texas transportation officials have shut down a portion of I-10 due to heavy flooding, leaving a number of drivers stranded overnight.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has closed both directions of I-10 spanning the 23 mile stretch between Winnie and Beaumont for heavy flooding caused by Tropical Depression Imelda.

Flooding has also closed U.S. 90 west of Beaumont and Highway 73 south of Beaumont. It isn’t clear when the closed roadways will reopen.

TxDOT issued a statement on the road closure and flooding:

Due to tropical depression Imelda areas of east and southeast Texas are experiencing heavy rainfall and significant flooding. Portions of IH10 in Jefferson and Chambers County are CLOSED due to impassable flood waters. Flash flood watches and warnings have been issued across much of east and southeast Texas, and could remain in effect through today. Motorists who come upon a section of roadway that has water flowing across it should seek an alternate route, and should never go around barricades that have been set up at low water crossings. If you find yourself in need of shelter, please call 2-1-1.

Less than an hour ago I could still see the tires on this car. The water is rising fast! I-10 traffic is at a standstill, shut down in both directions between Winnie and Beaumont. #12NewsNow @12NewsNow pic.twitter.com/vFmzGw8F0I

— Parris Kane (@PKaneReports) September 19, 2019

ABC 13 reports that drivers were stranded overnight due to flooding.

Flood waters cover I-10 in Winnie/Beaumont

ABC13-Courtney Fischer got a first look this morning at the shutdown part of I-10 between Winnie and Beaumont, where drivers were stranded overnight on one of the busiest roads.https://abc13.com/5551546/?ex_cid=SND_KTRK_FB&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd

Posted by ABC13 Houston on Thursday, September 19, 2019

You can road conditions on I-10 in Winnie in the video below.

Winnie is under water. Sheriff says some homes have 4-5 feet of water inside. Hospital is being evacuated. It’s been raining since 7:30 last night. And it’s still coming down. A viewer sent us this video—shows I-10 between Beaumont and Winnie. Car after car about to be swallowed up by floodwaters. Update: https://abc13.com/5551546/

Posted by ABC13-Courtney Fischer on Thursday, September 19, 2019

Keep up with the latest Texas road closure information by clicking here.