HOUSTON -- Parking lots turned into lakes and streets turned into rivers when heavy storms dumped several inches of rain in southwest Houston, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Many drivers had to get out of their cars and watch them be consumed by rising water Monday evening.

West Bellfort Street at the Southwest Freeway was completely impassible for several hours.

"I went to the highest point of the parking lot," Carla Menchaca said. "I was in a panic. I called my mom and I was crying. It was horrible."

Some drivers tried to steer away from the flooded roads and ended up driving through the grass in front of businesses.

Police officers were not immune to the flooding. One officer sat on top of his cruiser as water rose around it.

One man tried to warn others about the low-lying areas.

"The police officers was coming through, the cars was coming through," Joseph Dancy said. "They just didn't want to listen."

The water receded from the roads and parking lot in time for Tuesday's morning commute.

Water from the same storm also filled the inside of a church.

The pastor and parishioners of New Deliverance Church on Minetta Street worked through the night to get the water out.

The church plans to hold services as usual.