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Flooding in Fayette County prompts caution
Heavy rain and flooding has flooded rivers, and roads, in Fayette County.
FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas - The last 48 hours have been full of heavy rainfall for Fayette County, the weather flooding many rivers and roads.
"We have a lot of flooding all over the county," said Angela Hanh, Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator.
She says the heavy downpour for such a long period of time has caused intense flooding.
"In our rural areas where we have a lot of low water crossings, several of them are several feet underwater," she said.
First responders had to rescue a person from Cummins Creek in Fayetteville on Wednesday afternoon after their boat capsized. The victim was swept away by the rushing water, and was hanging onto a tree. Crews sent out a boat and brought them to safety.
Around 3 p.m., the Colorado River crested at a little over 26 feet, just above flood stage. It’s expected to recede Thursday, as the rain finally tapers off.
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Austin weather: More rain on the way
The rain is not done yet, with rain chances returning on Friday before the weekend brings sunshine and pleasant weather. Zack Shields explains in his full forecast.
In Schulenburg, the West Navidad River, which usually has little to no water flowing through it, was filled with rainwater on Wednesday afternoon. Trees were just standing tall among the rushing water.
About 20 minutes away from there in La Grange, the Colorado River was dealing with something similar. A marker indicated the floodwaters hit right at 25 feet.
Flooding on roads was also prominent in the area.
"Well, it was just constant," said Janet Williford of La Grange. "Rain and thunder. Rain and thunder."
"Probably been almost a year since we've gotten this much in one short span of time," said Jon-Michael Williford.
In La Grange, part of FM 909 near Airport Road was underwater, leading crews to barricade it off to drivers.
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Flooding in La Grange
The worst of the flooding is in Lee and Fayette Counties, where driving has been a nightmare. At least one person had to be rescued from fast-moving water.
"It flooded all the roads to my house, like I barely made it to work," said Emma Herbrich of La Grange. "My mom barely got home from work last night, too."
By noon, the Fayette County Office of Emergency Management posted on Facebook a list of almost 50 road closures due to flooding.
In nearby Lee County, County Roads 131, 125 and 205 were submerged in floodwaters.
"You're out on the highway, you know, every ditch and gulch, you drive by, water coming right up to the road," said Jon-Michael Williford.
Floodwaters had an impact on homes as well.
"Our yard has been flooding," said Janet Williford. "It's flooding into our garage a little bit."
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- Austin weather: Flood Warning issued for some parts of Central Texas
- Texas weather: School delays and closures due to flooding
- Heavy rains overflow creeks, streams in Central Texas
County offices and schools were closed on Wednesday due to the unsafe conditions.
For Thursday, Jan. 25, some schools have updated their schedules due to unsafe conditions on the road:
- Waelder ISD: Closed
- Giddings ISD: 2-hour delay
- La Grange ISD says it’s monitoring the weather
Right now, officials want residents to stay inside, and if you cannot, be careful when driving.
"They need to stay at home if possible. Stay off the roads, turn around, don't drown. People need to understand that six inches of fast running water can move a vehicle off the road, and that doesn't look like it's much, but it is. It can be a dangerous situation," said Hanh.
For real-time updates on road closures, visit atxfloods.com.