x
Breaking News
More () »

Gatesville residents evacuate homes due to excessive flooding

Coryell County Sheriff Scott Williams says things will get worse before they get better. He is urging people to not drive in high water.

GATESVILLE, Texas — Coryell County is dealing with extreme flooding. On Leon Street in Gatesville, a few people have had to evacuate their homes because water is actually coming inside.

Lupe Buster has lived in Gatesville her entire life. She's raised her family in this community.

As the clock ticks, water continues to rise in her backyard and in her chicken coops. 

"I'm hoping it don't get in our house," Buster told 6 News. "I mean this is all I got, all I have. I don't know where else to go. I just wish it would go down. I just want to come home."

A few doors down lives Sherry Lee, who's been in the area for two years. She had no choice but to evacuate because water got inside her home. 

"Police woke me up between five and 5:30 a.m. and told me that the river was expected to crest in about 30 minutes," Lee said. "He said to keep an eye on it because you'll need to leave when it gets close. Well, I immediately went out back and it's already crested."

Coryell County is no stranger to the flooding from Leon River. It's happened before in the 90s and in 2007. Those who have lived in the area say the 2024 flood is almost as bad as the one in 1991.

"This is right there with it," Coryell County Sheriff Scott Williams said.

Williams told 6 News 43 roads are closed in the area.

"It is to the point we have run out of barricades in Coryell County," Williams said.

It's all because of flooded roads, bridge failures and debris.

"Our streams and rivers are going to rise due to the fact of all the water coming to us from up north," Williams said. "It's just gonna get worse before it gets better."

Their team, along with others are working hard to keep the community safe despite the devastations that continue to hit the county.

"We have several agencies, Texas State Game Wardens, Emergency Management Rescue Teams from all over the state that are here helping us with swift water rescues and evacuations," Williams added.

Williams hopes the community can do their part too.

"It takes 12 inches of water to sweep car off the road and I can promise you the water is way higher than that right now," Williams told 6 News. "If you can't see the road turn around. There's nothing out there worth dying for."

The community is asking for prayers during this difficult time. Thankfully everyone is safe.

More from 6 News:

Before You Leave, Check This Out