flooding

Portions of San Gabriel Park reopen

The portions of San Gabriel Park north of Morrow Street, including the splash pad, skate park, event law, Community Center and Sunken Garden have reopened to the public. The rest of the park is still closed for debris cleanup after the flooding during July 4 weekend.
Liberty Hill volunteers are joined by H-E-B helpers to load a flood victim’s car with supplies at a makeshift disaster relief center in Liberty Hill Middle School. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Liberty Hill volunteers are joined by H-E-B helpers to load a flood victim’s car with supplies at a makeshift disaster relief center in Liberty Hill Middle School. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Victims, volunteers recount flood experiences

Georgetown resident Alisha Burton was woken up by a firefighter banging on her door to her RV home in GoodWater RV Park on July 5.Around 7:30 a.m., Ms. Burton said Sheriff’s deputies and firefighters were checking the San Gabriel River’s rising water.
The Austin Avenue Bridge has reopened to the public after flooding over the weekend.

The Austin Avenue Bridge has reopened to the public after flooding over the weekend.

Austin Avenue Bridge reopens to the public after flooding

After being closed for inspection after the July 4 weekend floods, the Austin Avenue Bridge is now reopen to the public. The bridge was originally closed to check for potential damage caused by the water and the construction scaffolding under the bridge.
Bruce Clements, from Wilco’s Office of Emergency Management (left), explains plans about how crews will conduct the damage assessment during an 11 a.m. press conference Monday, July 7. County Judge Steve Snell, center, and Sheriff Matt Lindemann, right, listen to the report. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Bruce Clements, from Wilco’s Office of Emergency Management (left), explains plans about how crews will conduct the damage assessment during an 11 a.m. press conference Monday, July 7. County Judge Steve Snell, center, and Sheriff Matt Lindemann, right, listen to the report. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Flood claims third Williamson County victim

At least three people are dead after the San Gabriel River severely flooded across Williamson County over the weekend. The first victim was Kaitlyn Swallow, age 22, from the Liberty Hill area, who was found dead late Saturday by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

County shelter takes animals from Georgetown, Lampasas

The Georgetown Animal Shelter facility was evacuated on July 5 as water broke the banks of the San Gabriel River. The animals were taken to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter site on SE Inner Loop. WCRAS began emergency protocols at about 10:30 a.m.
These photos of the San Gabriel River through Georgetown were taken from the same spot on the shore across from Two Rivers Apartments on July 5 (left) and July 6 (right). Photos by Clark Thurmond

These photos of the San Gabriel River through Georgetown were taken from the same spot on the shore across from Two Rivers Apartments on July 5 (left) and July 6 (right). Photos by Clark Thurmond

The San Gabriel River during and after the flood in Georgetown

These photos of the San Gabriel River through Georgetown were taken from the same spot on the shore across from Two Rivers Apartments on July 5 and July 6. On the left, the San Gabriel River is shown as it crests at about noon on July 5, 30 feet above its usual level.
The San Gabriel River roars through Blue Hole Park. Water covers Rock Street up to Second Street in Georgetown.

The San Gabriel River roars through Blue Hole Park. Water covers Rock Street up to Second Street in Georgetown.

Local state of disaster declared for Williamson County

Williamson County Judge Steve Snell declared a local state of disaster Saturday, July 5, in response to area flooding. According to the county, the declaration is needed to protect the health, safety and welfare of county residents.
Hawkins Johnson, 16, takes a measure of the roaring San Gabriel River from the Austin Avenue bridge. Photos by Katherine Anthony

Hawkins Johnson, 16, takes a measure of the roaring San Gabriel River from the Austin Avenue bridge. Photos by Katherine Anthony

Photos: Rising San Gabriel River closes Austin Avenue bridge

Rain this week has caused the San Gabriel River to rise up to meet the Austin Avenue Bridge. According to the City of Georgetown, the river may rise over 30 feet. These photos were taken at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday, and the bridge was closed by Georgetown Police at 10:53 a.m.