San Saba Co. Sheriff's Office warns of 'rapidly rising river' overnight
SAN SABA, Texas (KXAN) -- The San Saba County Sheriff's Office is warning of heavy rains and flooding late Friday into Saturday morning. It has already canceled the city's annual Fourth of July fireworks show and other festivities that were planned for Friday.
"San Saba County and the Hill Country region have experienced heavy rainfall, causing flooding across rivers, roads, and low-water crossings. The San Saba River is rising quickly, and conditions will progressively deteriorate," a Facebook post said.
The sheriff's office is reminding people not to drive through flooded roadways, pay attention to rising water near crossings and creeks and to have a way to get emergency alerts.
"While we're thankful for the rain, safety comes first," the post said.
Flooding threat closes some campground sites
Colorado Bend State Park said on Friday it is closing some of its campgrounds after rains from recent storms.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we are closing and canceling reservations in the lower campground in the flood zone," according to a Facebook post.
Affected sites are:
- South Area 1-16
- North Area 17-26
- River Backcountry 1-8
The park said the State Parks Call Center will contact those with reservations to get them canceled.
"We are also closely monitoring Cherokee Creek outside of the park and will provide an update should the creek flood and close the park," the post also said.
The park encouraged people who have reservations this holiday weekend to continue to follow its Facebook page for updates on more potential cancellations or closures.
State emergency response teams activated
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announced on Thursday that the agency had activated state emergency response resources in anticipation of increased threats of flooding in parts of West and Central Texas heading into the holiday weekend.
“As rain and flooding threatens parts of Texas ahead of the Independence Day weekend, state emergency response resources have been activated to support local response efforts," said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. "Our priority remains protecting lives and property and Texans are urged to proactively prepare for potential hazards. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
TDEM said it was aware of the situation in San Saba and is closely monitoring it.