Ruth Haines
Dallas Airport, along with the rest of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has been affected by flooding in recent years. In August 2022, the area received over 9 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period, causing flash floods and leading to hundreds of flight delays and cancellations at the airport. The National Weather Service reported that this was the second-highest rainfall over 24 hours in Dallas on record. More recently, in April 2024, heavy storms brought significant rainfall and flooding risks to North Texas, resulting in delays and cancellations at Dallas airports once again.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 22 August 2022 |
| Rainfall | 9.19 inches (23 centimetres) in 24 hours |
| Previous record | 9.57 inches (24.3 centimetres) in September 1932 |
| Flights delayed | 893 |
| Flights cancelled | 256 |
| Fatalities | 1 |
| Flooded homes | Hundreds |
| Flooded roads | Interstate 635 Service Road, highways |
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What You'll Learn
- Dallas Airport experienced travel issues, with hundreds of flights delayed or cancelled
- The flooding was caused by a storm system tapping into tropical moisture
- The Dallas County Judge declared a state of disaster and requested assistance
- Flooding affected highways and businesses in the area
- The Dallas Water Utilities Department confirmed the city's water supply was not impacted
Dallas Airport experienced travel issues, with hundreds of flights delayed or cancelled
Dallas Airport experienced significant travel issues due to the flash flooding that hit the region in August 2022. The National Weather Service reported a record-breaking rainfall amount of 9.19 inches (23 centimeters) in a 24-hour period, making it the second-wettest 24-hour period ever recorded in Dallas. This extreme weather caused travel chaos, with hundreds of flights delayed or canceled at Dallas-area airports.
The heavy rainfall and thunderstorms severely impacted Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. According to flight tracking website FlightAware, there were 893 delayed flights and 256 cancellations at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as of 5 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, Dallas Love Field experienced 147 delays and 73 cancellations. These disruptions caused significant inconvenience to passengers, with many facing last-minute changes to their travel plans.
The flash flooding in Dallas took residents by surprise, with rescue crews responding to hundreds of calls for help. The deluge caused widespread flooding, and crews had to perform high-water rescues from homes and vehicles. Some major highways were inundated, leaving cars submerged and drivers stranded for hours. The flooding also affected businesses, with water seeping into establishments and causing damage.
The severe weather was a stark contrast to the drought conditions that had previously affected the region. The National Weather Service noted that the rainfall amounts in August 2022 were significantly higher than those recorded in the preceding months. The flash flooding highlighted the challenges posed by extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and timely response.
The impact of the flooding extended beyond travel disruptions. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins declared a state of disaster and requested federal and state assistance to support affected individuals and businesses. The flooding caused sanitary sewers to overflow in several places, although the city's water supply remained unaffected. The city recommended that residents in impacted areas boil or distill their water as a precautionary measure.
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The flooding was caused by a storm system tapping into tropical moisture
Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. It can occur within minutes or over a long period and may last days, weeks, or longer. Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.
In dry areas of the US, significant rainfall can quickly cause flooding. For example, the desert southwest is very dry for much of the year, but each summer, the weather pattern changes, bringing moisture and thunderstorms. Because of the arid climate, the ground is quite hard and unable to absorb much precipitation. The water from these storms rushes to low-lying areas, often into a canyon or dried-up riverbed.
In August 2023, Tropical Storm Hilary broke rainfall records in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. This was the first storm of its kind to hit the West Coast in 84 years. Similarly, in August 2022, the Dallas-Fort Worth area experienced heavy rain and flash flooding, with the National Weather Service reporting 9.19 inches (23 centimeters) of rain in 24 hours—the second-most rain over 24 hours in Dallas on record. More than 9 inches fell at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport over a 24-hour period, marking the highest rainfall over that length of time since 1932. The flooding caused hundreds of cancellations and delays at the airport.
The Dallas-Fort Worth flooding was caused by a storm system tapping into tropical moisture. Tropical cyclones, which include hurricanes and tropical storms, are known to produce heavy rainfall, leading to river flooding and flash flooding. As storms move inland, they can carry moisture well into the interior states, causing heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
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The Dallas County Judge declared a state of disaster and requested assistance
On 22 August 2022, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins declared a state of disaster in Dallas County and requested state and federal assistance. This came after heavy rain and flash flooding brought record rainfall to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The National Weather Service reported that more than 9 inches of rain fell at Dallas Fort Worth Airport over a 24-hour period, making it the highest rainfall over that length of time since 1932.
The downpour caused hundreds of flight delays and cancellations at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. The rain also flooded streets and homes across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with water levels ranging from less than 1 inch to over 15 inches across the region. Rescue crews responded to hundreds of calls for aid from residents, performing high-water rescues and investigations.
The flooding caused sanitary sewers to overflow in several places throughout Dallas, although the city's water system was reportedly not impacted. The city did, however, recommend that people in the affected areas use boiled or distilled water. The flash flooding also resulted in at least one fatality, as a 60-year-old woman was killed when her vehicle was swept away by the floodwaters.
The Dallas County Judge's declaration of a state of disaster and request for assistance came in response to the significant impact of the flooding on the community, with the aim of providing relief and support to those affected by the disaster. The declaration also served as a call for additional resources and assistance from state and federal authorities to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts in the affected areas.
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Flooding affected highways and businesses in the area
Heavy rain and flash flooding in Dallas, Texas, caused significant disruptions to highways and businesses in the area. The flooding occurred between Sunday and Monday, bringing record-breaking rainfall to the region. Over a 24-hour period, more than 9 inches of rain fell in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, marking the highest rainfall over such a duration since 1932.
The deluge of rain led to the closure of highways and major roads in Dallas. Stalled vehicles were left abandoned on the flooded Interstate 635 Service Road in Mesquite, Texas, causing significant traffic disruptions. The flooding also affected the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, with hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed due to the inclement weather.
The floodwaters inundated businesses in the area, causing extensive damage. Peter Tarantino, owner of Tarantino's Cicchetti Bar and Record Lounge in Dallas, reported that about 6 inches of water had flowed into his dining room. He expressed hope that he could salvage the furniture but anticipated the need to replace rugs and carpets. Similarly, business owner Allen Thompson, who runs a heavy equipment rental business in Balch Springs, described the flooding as the worst he had ever seen in his 13 years in the area. He recounted how 3 inches of water quickly covered the floor upon his arrival on Monday morning, and within an hour, the water level had risen to about a foot.
The flooding prompted Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins to declare a state of disaster for Dallas County and request federal and state assistance. Emergency responders reported responding to hundreds of high-water calls, including rescues from flooded homes. Sadly, the flooding also resulted in at least one fatality, as a 60-year-old woman tragically lost her life when her vehicle was swept away by the floodwaters.
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The Dallas Water Utilities Department confirmed the city's water supply was not impacted
In August 2022, heavy rain and flash flooding brought record rainfall to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The National Weather Service reported that 9.19 inches of rain fell in the 24 hours ending at 2 p.m. on Monday, making it the second-most rain over 24 hours in Dallas on record. The heavy rain caused flooding on streets and highways, with cars, including those on Interstate 635, left stalled and abandoned in the floodwaters.
The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport was also affected by the flooding, with hundreds of flights to and from the airport canceled and many others delayed. The rain also caused sanitary sewers to overflow in several places throughout Dallas. Despite this, the Dallas Water Utilities Department confirmed that the city's water supply was not impacted. Zachary Peoples, the assistant director of the department, stated that "None of the overflows of diluted wastewater have affected the City's water supply."
The flash flooding in Dallas took residents by surprise, with rescue crews responding to hundreds of calls for help. Many residents woke up to flooded homes, and some had to be rescued by boat as water levels rose quickly. The Fort Worth Fire Department received 500 calls for service and performed 174 high-water rescues and investigations. One tragic fatality was reported, as a 60-year-old woman was swept away by floodwaters.
The flooding also impacted businesses in the area, with some owners reporting several inches of water flooding their premises. The heavy rain and flooding occurred during a period of drought in the region, with the ground absorbing a significant amount of water. However, the rainfall was not enough to end the drought, and the flash flooding was likely due to the dry conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dallas Airport has been affected by flooding in the past. For example, in August 2022, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport reported 9.19 inches of rain in a 24-hour period, causing hundreds of delays and cancellations.
Flooding can cause significant disruptions to airport operations, including flight delays and cancellations. In addition, heavy rainfall can impact airport infrastructure and access roads, compounding the travel issues.
While the frequency of flooding in Dallas varies, the city has experienced several notable flood events in recent years. In August 2022, parts of Dallas were described as completely underwater after a "Thousand-year rain event."
Mitigating the impact of flooding at Dallas Airport involves a range of strategies. These include effective drainage systems, emergency response plans, and collaboration with local authorities to monitor weather conditions and issue timely warnings to travellers.
Yes, other airports in Texas have also experienced flooding. For example, in April 2024, DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field faced significant delays and cancellations due to heavy storms and flooding risks in North Texas.
