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You are all likely aware of the disastrous flooding last July 4th. A couple of weeks ago we had localized flooding (5 inches of rain overnight), but it didn’t cause any real problems. This week we had two days of sustained heavy rain - localized amounts from 10-15 inches. Because it fell so widely it was much different from last year, when basically only the Guadalupe River flooded and some creeks backed up from the river. This year the creeks were out of control. In an event like this, people get stranded for various periods of time. We have swift water rescue gear at our home so we can work one side of a couple of creeks and other firefighters can work the other side (no need this time - all we did was monitor closed crossings and keep reporting to our Emergency Operations Center).
Some pictures:
First: Guadalupe bridge approach. It peaked at 44.5 feet, about 5 feet over last year.
Second: Big Joshua Creek, about 1/2 mile from my home. This channel is usually about 20 feet wide.
Third: A woman drove around traffic barricades in a 2026 Explorer. A witness got her out before the car was completely submerged. I’d love to hear the discussion with her auto insurance carrier. In addition to the vehicle she took out some very expensive fencing.
Fourth: the bridge approach this morning.
Fifth: Looking back up from the bridge approach- deep clay mud. I was a little concerned about getting back up the hill. I wish I had taken a picture of my truck covered in mud.
So far just lots of property damage and only one fatality in this area, which is pretty amazing considering how bad it was.
Discussion (8)
CONTRIBUTOR
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Especially considering how stupidly people seem to behave around flood waters. It seems to be God's way of adding a little chlorine into the gene pool.
CHARTER MEMBER
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Always glad to see up-to-date registration decals. Always dismayed when I don't, which is frequently, at least where I live. I wonder about that. I have presumed (but never confirmed) that an insurer would refuse to pay a claim if the vehicle's registration has expired. Not that a motorist who couldn't pay the $75.50 for the decal would've paid far more for an insurance policy.
Now that car inspections are no longer required in Texas, I'd've thought registration compliance would go up. But if a motorist still has to show proof of insurance, it hardly matters if taillights and wipers work or not.
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NH eliminated required inspections beginning this year and the vendor (based in KY) sued the State for shutting them down. Lost and has re-filed against the State trying to guilt back on the payroll.
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They need more signs that say turn around don't drown, like they do here in FL. Thanks for the pictures - very extreme weather this year! Be safe!!
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After the dozens of deaths last year, the authorities were giving out a lot of warnings. phones were buzzing for days. having the rain come a bit slower than last year and during the day probably helped save lives. First responders were staged and ready, which is very nice.
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