Dallas

Backed-Up Drain Caused Flooding at Love Field Parking Garage

A back-up in the stormwater drainage system caused flooding to dozens of cars parked at one of Dallas Love Field's parking garages Wednesday morning, officials said. Heavy rains moved across much of Texas with high-water rescues and flash flooding.

The lower level of parking garage A is still shut down after water rose to the top of many vehicles. On Wednesday morning, the garages looked like ponds with crosswalks completely flooded.

Mark Musick arrived home from the windy city to a wet mess. The floors of his SUV were submerged in several inches of water.

"I don’t know what the insurance will do," Musick said.

City officials said travelers impacted by the floods to file a claim with their personal insurance and then file a claim with the City of Dallas Office of Risk Management as well.

Experts say insurance will cover flooded vehicles as long as the driver has comprehensive coverage. If not, insurance agent Ben Patterson says they could be hung out to dry.

"I would assume that they're going to be totaled because I'm hearing that not only were the vehicles underwater but you're talking about significant electrical damage as well," said Patterson.

All day, passengers walked out of the airport and assessed the damage. Crews spent the day pumping water out of the parking garage.

Curtis Wall was in Fort Lauderdale for business and when he got home he said he couldn't believe what he saw -- his truck was partially submerged. Water rushed out of his exhaust but fortunately, he was able to fire up the engine and drive home.

"I think we caught a break," Wall said.

Some people flying into Dallas Love Field will learn their cars may have been flooded while parked in parking garages A and B Wednesday morning.

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Dallas Love Field said it would not be towing vehicles but would allow private tows to be arranged.

The Airport Communication Center has a list of affected vehicles. Drivers can email 214670love@dallascityhall.com or call 214-670-5683 for more information.

Officials blame flooding on a back-up in the stormwater drainage system. Crews were checking to see if something was blocking it.

It's the second time the lower level has flooded this month though the first time wasn't nearly as bad.

Dozens of cars parked at the Dallas Love Field Airport garage are flooded due to heavy rain.
Dozens of cars parked at the Dallas Love Field Airport garage were flooded Wednesday morning due to heavy rain.

The airport got 3.30 inches of rain overnight. City of Dallas crews were trying to pump water out of the garage.

Parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth area received up to 6 inches of rain.

NBC 5's Courtney Gilmore contributed to this report.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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