Emergency crews watching San Gabriel River as more rain is expected
Officials concerned about flooding of area roads, rivers
More rain is expected in the forecast and that has local officials worried. FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak has details.
GEORGETOWN, Texas - With more rain expected this week, the threat of flooding is on the rise, so emergency crews in Williamson County are on standby with eyes on the San Gabriel River.
"Our swift water teams are ready to go to those areas that we normally have to go to along the San Gabriel," said county emergency management director Michael Shoe.
By Wednesday morning, the San Gabriel River in Georgetown had receded somewhat compared to Tuesday, but the water remains fast-moving and well above normal levels. As the San Gabriel continues to swell, officials are concerned about the flooding risk posed by additional rain.
On Tuesday many low-water crossings and Blue Hole Park in Georgetown were closed due to the conditions of creeks and rivers.
Emergency crews watching San Gabriel River as more rain is expected
Emergency crews are on standby and watching the San Gabriel River as the threat of flooding is on the rise with more rain expected this week.
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"River real estate is very popular so people live along the river and those historical areas that normally flood that’s what we are preparing for. If we start getting more rain then some of those non-historical areas could begin to flood and seawater ponding there," said Shoe.
The county also spent the day informing certain areas along the Saint Gabriel River about what could potentially happen leading up to the weekend. "Telling them there’s a good chance they could get flooded out," said Shoe.
As the county has their first responders ready they are also urging people to take closed-off low-water crossings seriously. You can get a look at the latest closures here.
Driver stuck at low water crossing needs to be rescued by helicopter
No charges were filed in the morning rescue because barricades were not up at the time.
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The precautions in Williamson County follow a handful of water rescues in the area on Tuesday. In Manor, Starflight was called in to pull a driver from water that engulfed his car on Old Kimbro Road. South of there, there was another rescue when a car ended up in a creek along FM 973.
Officials are reminding residents that you’re not just putting your life in danger when you drive through water—you’re potentially risking the lives of first responders as well.
"You hear it all the time and we can’t say it enough, turn around don’t drown. 3 to 4 inches of water on a low water crossing can move a vehicle. There are signs out and you’re unsure just turn around don’t drown and find an alternate means of where you’re trying to go to."
Ignoring barricades across flooded roads or even moving them is illegal in the state of Texas.