Parts of the Texas Panhandle including Amarillo were under flash flood warnings on Monday afternoon as streets became quickly inundated with water due to the ongoing heavy rainfall while a slow-moving storm system passes through the area.

The rain from overnight had prompted Palo Duro Canyon State Park officials to close trails, with the park advising against going up or down the hill Monday due to the ongoing flash flooding causing water levels to rise even higher. “As of right now we have received 6.91” on the rim, and 2.83” on the floor,” the Facebook page for Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife said in a comment with photos from the day: “Our staff on site is currently rescuing visitors from the rising waters. Stay safe and stay dry everyone.”

The National Weather Service in Amarillo said in the warnings that between one and three inches of rain had already fallen in the area Monday, with more expected, impacting “small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.”

Areas included in the warnings were southwestern Potter County and northern Randall County, involving the communities of Amarillo, Canyon, Lake Tanglewood, Mescalero Park, Bushland and Timbercreek Canyon included in one warning until 3:30 p.m.; southwestern Armstrong County and southeastern Randall County involving Wayside and Palo Duro Canyon now until 5 p.m.; and eastern Oldham County and western Potter County involving Boys Ranch, Valley De Oro and Bushland until 3:45 p.m.

A NWS flood advisory issued at 1:39 p.m. for Amarillo said minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas was possible, with water over roadways and some low-water crossings becoming impassable: “Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent.” The advisory continues until 4:45 p.m. Monday.

The city of Amarillo’s playa lake status website said as of 9 a.m. Monday, prior to flash flooding warnings, that a total of zero inches of rainfall had fallen and that McDonald Lake was at 30% full with pumps off, while Lawrence Lake was at 24% capacity with pumps on. Tee Anchor and Martin lakes were at 15%, and Bennett Lake was at 20%. No further play lake updates were available as of 2 p.m.

NWS also said via Facebook that cold air funnel clouds could occur, which cannot be detected on radar as they are very weak and “form underneath showers or weak thunderstorms when the air aloft is cooler and there is plenty of moisture in the air. Cold air funnels are usually harmless, but on rare occasions they can touch down and cause minor damage.” NWS also said meteorologists are watching for heavy/persistent rain bands that could lead to flash flooding, advising to stay aware when driving around low lying areas or flood prone spots and avoid flooded roadways.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Texas Panhandle, Amarillo experience flash flooding from storms Monday