Live Oak and McMullen county officials are urging residents to prepare for potentially dangerous flooding as the Nueces River rises through South Texas and moves toward major flood stage near Three Rivers.
The Nueces River at Tilden in McMullen County was in major flood stage Tuesday morning and is expected to remain there for several days, according to the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi.
Near Three Rivers, the river was continuing a gradual rise Tuesday. It is expected to exceed the 25-foot flood stage Wednesday and reach major flood stage late Wednesday or early Thursday.
The weather service forecast showed the river near Three Rivers rising to approximately 40 feet. Major flood stage is 35 feet.
Live Oak County Emergency Management said the river would continue rising over the next several days, with the highest water levels expected Friday and into the weekend.
Significant flooding could extend miles from the river’s main channel and affect homes in the floodplain between Three Rivers and Lake Corpus Christi.
Lake Corpus Christi is expected to begin a slow rise within the next day or two, with rising water levels potentially continuing through at least next week, according to the weather service.
Residents should monitor verified information from their county emergency management offices and other local officials, review family emergency plans and be prepared to leave quickly if evacuation instructions are issued.
People living in low-lying areas should consider moving vehicles, equipment and other property to higher ground before water begins rising.
Officials also reminded motorists never to drive onto flooded roads or attempt to go around barricades. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles, according to the weather service.
Residents needing information about shelters or disaster resources may call 211. Life-threatening emergencies should be reported by calling 911.
County emergency management personnel said they are working with local, state and emergency-response partners to monitor conditions and prepare for the river’s rise.