NWS Flash Flood Warning included Arlington on July 13—what drivers were told

On July 13, 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Fort Worth issued a Flash Flood Warning for Tarrant County that explicitly included Arlington. The warning was issued at 8:31 a.m. CDT and extended until 10:15 a.m. CDT, with the main concern being rapid, dangerous flooding for drivers.

NWS also had an earlier Flood Advisory for Northern Tarrant County (which also listed Arlington) in effect until 6:30 a.m. CDT, focused on minor flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.

What NWS warned could happen in Arlington (road-travel impacts)

In the Flash Flood Warning, NWS said flash flooding was caused by thunderstorms and could impact urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses, along with other poor-drainage and low-lying areas. NWS specifically listed Arlington in the alert’s “Some locations that will experience flash flooding include…” section.

The key safety message NWS gave: “turn around, don’t drown”

NWS told residents: “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads.” NWS added that “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.” In practical Arlington terms: if you see water on a street or underpass, don’t try to “test” the depth—turn around or reroute.

What changed next as the warning expired (and why to keep watching)

Local reporting from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram said the warning was set to expire at 10:15 a.m. The report also quoted NWS messaging that, while heavy rain had ended and flooding was no longer expected to pose a significant threat, residents should still heed remaining road closures.

The takeaway for Arlington drivers and commuters: even after a flash-flood warning expires, advisory-level caution can still matter—especially around low spots, poor-drainage areas, and any streets that remain closed.

Arlington driver checklist for the next time NWS names the city in a flood alert

• Reroute early: If your usual drive includes underpasses or known pooling spots, plan an alternate route when warned.
• Don’t drive into unknown water: If water is covering pavement, treat it as unsafe immediately.
• Follow road-closure updates: Closed roads can stay closed even as the warning expires.
• Assume “looks fine” can be wrong: Flooding can start quickly and become hard to judge from a distance.

Sources

• National Weather Service (Fort Worth): Flash Flood Warning for Tarrant County (includes Arlington) — July 13, 2026
• National Weather Service: Flood Advisory for Northern Tarrant County (includes Arlington) — July 13, 2026
• Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Update on Tarrant County flash flood warning expiration (reported 10:15 a.m.)