The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) responded to high water on roads across Central Texas Sunday, caused by runoff from severe thunderstorms in the area.
Waco put out a news release listing all the roads they closed or intended to close due to the flooding caused by torrential downpours through the early morning hours.
- SH 174 bridge over Brazos River – traffic will be advised to use FM 933 in Hill County and FM 56 in Bosque County down to FM 1713 to cross over the lake.
- SH 6 near Valley Mills – northbound traffic being diverted to SH 317, southbound traffic to FM 2602.
- FM 56 north of SH 6 in Valley Mills.
- FM 413 in Falls County from FM 2413 to FM 1771.
- FM 2413 near County Road 257 in Falls County.
TxDOT said the closures will be in place indefinitely until the water subsides and the roads are safe for the traveling public.
The Coryell County Sheriff’s Office has identified 42 county roads that are damaged or that have flooded.
“Drivers need to avoid all low water crossings and avoid any unnecessary travel until the situation improves,” said Heather Ashley, TxDOT spokesperson. “And do not go around barricades. They are set up for your protection and if you are caught doing this, you will be cited.”
Ashley said authorities performed a water rescue on County Road 318 early Sunday morning. A man was rescued from the vehicle with no injuries; however, they were unable to get the car to dry ground.
“We were out there about 3 p.m. and it’s about to go under,” Ashley said.
Sadly, Ashley said the Pecan Grove Baptist Church was almost completely covered by water. The church is located at County Road 317 and a check of their Facebook page showed pictures of the water up to the rafters.
According to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth and Coryell County Sheriff, Cow House Creek is above record levels at 45 feet and rising, passing the 1991 record of 44.5. Normally, levels for Cow House creek is 38 feet.
Portions of the Leon River are threatening to overflow with water reaching the underside of bridges in Coryell County.
“Officers and first responders have been out all night,” Ashley added. “It may be difficult for residents to get around for the next few days, until conditions improve.
One of the problems is that runoff from early Sunday’s rains has not reached many of the roadways in Coryell and Bell County, so conditions could get worse.
The forecast for Monday calls for clearing, but drivers should be aware that repairs to roads and bridges may take longer to complete.
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Source: KCENTV.com, KD
