Brazos River Expected To Rise 6-8 Inches
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WEATHERFORD (CBSDFW.COM) - Homeowners in Parker County have been warned to evacuate after concerns that the Brazos River will crest and rise by several more feet on Thursday. There is particular concern in the Horseshoe Bend community in Weatherford.
The area is packed with several hundreds trailers and recreational vehicles, all sitting on the banks of the river. But the water level is expected to rise by another six to eight inches on Thursday afternoon. Water being released from Possum Kingdom Lake will flow right into the area.
Several days of rain and water releases from nearby lakes are pushing the Brazos River to its limit. The river is moving very fast with a lot of debris. The water level has climbed by more than seven feet in the last day and is already out of its banks.
The Brazos River is at more than 23 feet now. It has not been this high since 2007.
Residents in Horseshoe Bend and other low-lying neighborhoods were ordered to evacuate on Wednesday night. There are some people, however, who refuse to leave their homes. County officials stated that anyone who stays behind might end up being stuck.
"It's my property," said Walter Clements, who lives along the river. "I own it and I ain't going to leave it."
"It was worse in 2007," added resident Tom Garvey. "It was actually seven feet deep in my front yard, and now it's only about three and a half."
Most of the riverside homes are already on platforms. Crews will have rescue boats ready in the area in case somebody needs help. A man and his dog already had to be rescued late Wednesday night. "I won't be rescued," said Clements.
"I'd get out if I was you," added Horseshoe Bend resident Joyce Bosley. "If not, do a lot of praying and have your river shoes and a row boat, a way out, because the river is going to flood."
If flooding becomes a problem, officials will also barricade access to the area, preventing anyone from getting into these dangerous places. Some roads have already been blocked because of knee-high flooding.
An emergency shelter is now open at the Weatherford Independent School District's activity center for those residents who do decide to evacuate their homes.
