safety
Flash flooding hits Permian Basin as Odessa Fire Rescue urges drivers to use caution on roads
By Lauren Munt at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Anytime it rains it’s pretty common to see flooding across West Texas, but it’s important to remember to stay safe on the roads.The last significant rainfall in the Permian Basin occurred on May 26, when Odessa Fire Rescue responded to 28 water rescues in a single day.“We a...
Key takeaway The last significant rainfall in the Permian Basin occurred on May 26, when Odessa Fire Rescue responded to 28 water rescues in a single day.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The flash flooding in the Permian Basin is a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to heavy rainfall. With Odessa Fire Rescue responding to 28 water rescues in a single day during the last significant rainfall on May 26, it's clear that drivers need to exercise extreme caution on the roads. The fact that OFR Chief Jason Cotton recommends taking 2nd Street as the safest route during significant rainfall suggests that some roads are more prone to flooding than others. This highlights the need for drivers to be aware of the road conditions and plan their routes accordingly. Furthermore, the emphasis on the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" rule underscores the importance of driver judgment in preventing accidents. As the region continues to experience rainfall, it's crucial for residents to stay informed about road conditions and follow the safety tips provided by OFR to avoid putting themselves and others at risk.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Anytime it rains it’s pretty common to see flooding across West Texas, but it’s important to remember to stay safe on the roads.The last significant rainfall in the Permian Basin occurred on May 26, when Odessa Fire Rescue responded to 28 water rescues in a single day.“We a...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lauren Munt at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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