Harvey wreaks havoc across south Texas

GONZALES — As former Hurricane, now downgraded to Tropical Storm Harvey continues its onslaught across south Texas, local officials are advising citizens to be mindful of high water and to follow the necessary protocol to stay out of harm’s way.

Gonzales County Emergency Management Coordinator Jimmy Harless reported that

the flood warning continues for the Guadalupe River. Harless announced that at 7:45 a.m. Monday the stage was 42.1 feet (flood stage is 31 feet.)

Moderate flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast.

Harless said the river will continue rising to near 45 feet by early afternoon today then begin falling.

“At 45 feet, flow reaches the floor of the old power plant and to the slab of the electric plant,” Harless said. “The water is several feet deep in the baseball and concession buildings in the city park, and flooding is several miles wide in the floodplain just northwest of Gonzales. The flow approaches lower homes in the Tinsley Creek floodplain in Gonzales as the river backs up. Any flow down Tinsley Creek over the backflow can flood homes.”

Harless noted that all people with interests along the river should monitor the latest forecasts, and be prepared to take necessary precautions to protect life and property.

“River stage forecasts are based on observed rainfall along with predicted rain for the next 72 hours. If actual rainfall varies from forecast values, forecast river stages will vary. Do not drive automobiles through flooded areas. Remember, 18 inches of water or less can carry away most vehicles, including trucks. If you see flood waters or come upon a flooded roadway, remember to turn around and do not drown.”

The Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office reported that the following roads have been closed per flooding as of press time Monday afternoon:

• *183 S just south Of Circle G
• *Hwy 97 just north of I-10 going into Waelder
• *Interstate 10 Mile Marker 654- westbound side closed FM 3282
• FM 2091 N
• FM 1586
• FM 108 - 3 Miles N of Smiley
• FM 108 S @ Elm Creek Bridge
• FM 108 S 3.5 Miles S of Smiley
• FM 108 N of FM 77 at 7000 Blk
• FM 77 Northbound Lane
• FM 1116 Closed at Salt Flats
• FM 1116 Between CR 309 & 310
• FM 1116 @ 5 Mile Creek
• FM 532 @Peach Creek/CR 228
• FM 443 Between CR 519 and CR 370
• FM 466 @ CR 102
• FM 1115
• FM 794 Between CR 233 & CR 234
• FM 1681 Leaving Nixon
• FM 466 @ CR 102
• CR 181 Toward Nixon
• CR 143 off HWY 90A West @Oak Forest
• CR 250/209A
• CR 228
• CR 200
• CR 421
• PR 11

Harwood:

• S Belding
• S 2nd
• S 1st - High Water

Waelder:

• NW 1st St
• N 3rd St
• S 2nd
• S Ave G

Gonzales County Judge David Bird encourages people along the Guadalupe River to monitor the National Weather Service website for river updates.

“If you have Facebook, follow Gonzales County Emergency Management and Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office pages for road closures and other information concerning the county,” Bird said.

The county also declared a state of disaster for Gonzales County resulting from heavy rainfall and high winds associated with the storm.  The ordinance was passed in a special called session on Monday at 10 a.m. at the commissioner’s courtroom and has been effective since that day, Aug. 28. The state of disaster order shall continue until terminated by the order of the Commissioners Court.