Update: The National Weather Service has warned Odessa residents that between 4 and 5 inches of rain have fallen northwest of Odessa and flash flooding continues. Although precipitation amounts have decreased, any additional rain will only worsen existing flooding.

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – A flash flood warning is currently in effect for the Midland/Odessa area.

The flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Labor Day, and is expected to remain in effect until 7:30 p.m. tonight. However, rain will continue through midnight, with isolated showers throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

The weather radar also showed that thunderstorms and heavy rainfall at a rate of 5 to 8 centimeters per hour are to be expected and that flash floods will continue to occur, especially in Odessa.

Flash flooding may occur in the following regions:

To see which streets in Odessa are more likely to flood, visit the Odessa city flood zone map found here.

According to the National Weather Service, this warning is considered hazardous due to the threat of life-threatening flooding of streams, rivers, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

Motorists also took to social media to report vehicles stranded or stuck in the streets across the city of Odessa, warning others to stay home because of the flooded streets.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, flash floods are the number one weather-related cause of death in Texas. More than 50 percent of all flash flood deaths statewide involved vehicles.

“Saving your life can be as simple as turning your vehicle around when you see water on the road. Never attempt to drive through flooded roads – turn around, don’t drown.”

DPS also offers the following tips for safe driving:

• Even in relatively shallow water, tires can act as flotation devices, lifting large vehicles and propelling them downstream. It only takes two feet of water to propel a 3,000-pound car to the surface.

• Be aware that water on roads can obscure washed-away bridges or eroded roadbeds, and if you try to drive over them, you may not be driving on a road.

• If you are in a low-lying area during flooding, move quickly to higher ground.

• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or rivers on foot. Even 15 cm of flowing water can knock an adult over. In addition, the water may flow faster than it appears.

• Never let children play near ditches or drains.

• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle – complete with flares or warning triangles, a flashlight, a raincoat, a cell phone charger and other essentials such as needed medications.

• Keep an eye on weather and road conditions wherever you travel. For information on road conditions in Texas, visit this website.