Update on Brownwood Flooding

At 6 a.m. this morning, Emily Crawford with the PSA sent out word that Lake Brownwood was at 1429.65’ and has not stopped rising. The PSA is urging the public to avoid high water areas because the rapid water is rising quickly. At 8:45 a.m., the National Weather Services predicted that the lake may rise to 1430.2’ today.

“They are forecasting ½ to 1 inch of rain on the watershed over the next few days,” Crawford said. “The lake level could go up to 1430.4 with this additional rainfall.”

Additionally, the Pecan Bayou in Brownwood is quickly rising. It is projected to continue rising through Wednesday morning. Thus far, it has crested at Cross Cut north of the lake, but continues to rise slowly in Brownwood. TxDOT is watching the bridge on Hwy 377/67 over the Pecan Bayou, and at this time, water is flowing well under the bridge.

Therefore, the following streets and county roads have been closed:

• Low water crossing on Cordell at Adam’s Branch Riverside at Fay Trapp at Fisk
• Riverside Drive at Commerce
• Market Street at Market Place Blvd.
• CC Woodson from S. Broadway to Williams Ranch Road
• CR 120
• CR 257 (10 mile)
• CR 108
• CR 121
• CR 122
• CR 123
• CR 411
• CR 114
• CR 574
• CR 441
• CR 425
• CR 105

Also, the following businesses have closed:

• All at 315 E. Commerce St.
• Tractor Supply
• Big Lots
• Dollar General

Yesterday, Crawford said the Brownwood/Brown County Emergency Operations Center was at a Level III (Increased Readiness) for monitoring flood conditions. The National Weather Service previously predicted the lake will crest at 1430’ after 7 a.m. this morning, but it was slightly below that.

The forecast, however, calls for more rainfall today through Thursday, with a high chance of heavy rain tonight through tomorrow morning.

“Ground conditions are saturated, so additional rainfall will advance flooding conditions,” Crawford explained.

Crawford noted that a sand bag station is available to the public at the former Higginbotham’s location at 1500 Center Avenue.

“It is a self-serving station, so be prepared to bag and load your own,” she said. “Bring shovels and gloves. Businesses, residences and properties prone to flooding should take precautionary measures.”

Crawford added that Riverside, Fabis and Lednicky Parks remain closed, and TxDOT has a traffic diversion plan in place should state highways close. Also, the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department, Red Cross, Salvation Army and CERT are prepared to mobilize for food, water and shelter if needed.

Crawford said emergency services personnel are continually monitoring water levels in town, and people are advised to stay away from high rushing water, especially onlookers at bridges.

More updates will continue once received.

Update 11:40 a.m.

The Emergency Operations Center in Brownwood sent out another press release before noon and announced these additional street closures effective as of 11:10 a.m.

• Market Place Blvd. at Clements
• Market Place Blvd. Davis Lane
• Vine St. Underpass
• Williams Ranch Rd.

Also, Humphrey Pete's Restaurant has closed.

Update 2:40 p.m.

As of 2:40 p.m., the following streets have closed:

• Houston Street at Market Place
• Lee from Cordell to Victoria
• Market Place from Clements to Houston
• Riverside Drive at Commerce
• CC Woodson from Milton to Williams Ranch Rd.
• Cordell at Adam's Branch
• Trapp - Fisk to Riverside
• Riverside - Trapp to Pecan
• Vine Street Underpass
• Opal - from Commerce to CC Woodson
• Parking Lot of 315 Commerce (Tractor Supply complex)
• Romines from McCulley to W. Baker
• Belle Plain from Cordell to Bayou St.
• North Belle Plain from Booker to Belle Plain

Emily Crawford also said that there are rumors and social media references saying that the TxDOT Brownwood District Office on FM 2126 is closing; however, that is incorrect. It remains open. Also, Red Wagon Restaurant has closed. Highway 377/67 remains open.

Update 6:10 p.m.

Crawford said the National Weather Service is now predicting one quarter to an inch of rain over the watershed tonight. The lake level is currently 1429.74’ and is expected to crest late tonight at about 1431.5’.  

"Weaver Apartments voluntarily evacuated," said Crawford. "Market Place Apartments are surrounded by high water and are not accessible with personal vehicles. Should evacuated residents require sheltering, please call 325-643-3793 or 325-200-5243 for more information." 

Additionally, High Profile Vehicles are staged and ready to be deployed, Crawford added.

The Emergency Operations Center will be open all night to monitor water levels. To report flooding or high water overnight, call 325-646-2525.

Here are current city closures:

Lee from Cordell to Edwards
Market Place from Clements to Main Blvd.
Riverside Drive at Commerce
CC Woodson from Milton to Williams Ranch Rd.
Cordell at Adam's Branch
Trapp from Fisk to Riverside
Riverside from Trapp to Hughley
Vine Street Underpass
Opal from Commerce to CC Woodson
Parking Lot of 315 Commerce (Tractor Supply complex)
Romines from McCulley to W. Baker
Belle Plain from Cordell to Bayou St.
McCulley from Looney to 377
Pecan from Fay to Hughley
Victoria from Baker to Anderson
North Belle Plain from Booker to Belle Plain

Here are county road closures:
105
114
120
121
122
123
151
257
411
425
441
444
476
477
496
563
574
586
594

Update June 1 @ 6:30 a.m.

Crawford, in an update, said water levels actually went down slightly in Brownwood overnight. 

"The lake did not crest as high as expected," she said. "Highway 377/67 is still open."

She did say, however, that rain has begun over the watershed and in town, so residents want to continue to avoid high water areas and obey barricades.

Update @ 3 p.m.

Here are the current  street closures in Brownwood since our last update. There are also some streets that have opened.

Closures:

CC Woodson from Milton to Williams Ranch Rd.
Opal Dr. from Commerce to CC Woodson
Riverside Dr. from Commerce to Market St
Market St. from Riverside Dr. to Market Place Blvd.
Lee from Edwards to Victoria.
Trapp from Fisk to Riverside Dr.
Riverside Dr. from Trapp to Fay
Fay from Riverside Dr. to Pecan
Belle Plain from Bayou to W. Baker
W. Baker from Belle Plain to Romines
Romines from W. Baker to Commerce
Vine St. Underpass

Now Open:

Fisk
Rogan
Davis Lane
Brady
1st Street
Ave E

We will continue to provide updates as we receive them.