Major flooding continued Sunday along the Nueces River at Three Rivers, while the river at Tilden began a slow recession and water levels continued rising at Lake Corpus Christi.
The Nueces River near Three Rivers stood at 38.95 feet at 4:15 a.m. Sunday, nearly 14 feet above its 25-foot flood stage, according to the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi. Major flood stage begins at 35 feet.
The river had begun to recede after reaching about 39.2 feet but was forecast to remain above major flood stage through the middle of the week. The Weather Service forecast showed the river remaining above flood stage through at least Friday morning.
Live Oak County emergency management officials said the crest was continuing downstream south of Three Rivers and through other parts of the county. Roads, low-lying areas and neighborhoods could remain affected for another four to five days.
At Tilden in McMullen County, the river stood at 19.2 feet at 3:30 a.m. Sunday. Flood stage is 14 feet, with major flooding beginning at 19 feet.
The river was forecast to fall below major flood stage Sunday and continue a slow recession through moderate and minor flood stages during the week. The National Weather Service forecast showed the river falling below flood stage around Wednesday.
Water was receding slowly near the Simmons community in Live Oak County, but officials cautioned that additional rainfall could produce new hazards.
At Lake Corpus Christi, the water level had risen to 86.25 feet at 3 a.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service said a continued gradual rise was expected throughout the week as floodwaters moved downstream.
Several roads and areas remained closed Sunday because of high water. They included County Road 438 at Simmons; County Road 369 near Gamble Gully in the George West area; County Road 365 at Gamble Gully; River Creek Acres subdivision; County Roads 202 and 203 near Three Rivers; the Airport Road boat ramp; and County Road 380 near George West.
Closures will remain in place until the water recedes and officials complete safety inspections.
Emergency management officials urged motorists not to drive around barricades or attempt to cross flooded roads and low-water crossings. Drivers should use alternate routes, allow additional travel time and slow down on wet roads.
Residents were advised to continue monitoring official county updates because road conditions and closures could change throughout the day. Anyone facing an immediate threat to life should call 911.
“The flood threat has not ended, and conditions may continue to change,” the Live Oak County Office of Emergency Management said.