Flooded Trinity River draws onlookers to Dallas

Monica Hernandez | WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

DALLAS — For Ken Thomas, this Memorial Day is different from any other.

"I decided I wanted to bring my camera to take pics of the city with all the high water," he said Monday morning.

Thomas drove down from Lewisville, about 25 miles to the north, drawn to the spectacle of the flooding Trinity River. He's one of dozens spending the day off work capturing images of the swollen river on camera.

"I think it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come out and see the river, it looks like the Mississippi right now," said Michael Ellis.

Dallas has been hit hard by heavy rains, thunderstorms and tornadoes in recent days. On Monday, a flash flood watch remained in effect until 10 p.m. ET, while surrounding counties were under tornado warnings.

Around 4 p.m. ET, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport issued a ground stop for incoming flights while a storm passed through. Several 15-minute delays were issued at Love Field.

Power was out for thousands. Oncor reported 53,311 customers were without power, including 4,886 customers in Dallas County, 3,370 in Ellis County and 1,231 in Collin County.

The Trinity River crested at 40 feet Sunday night, but was dropping by late Monday morning. With more rain in the forecast, the water levels could rise again.

City officials are watching the water levels closely and asking onlookers to be careful and use common sense.