PHOTOS: Texas governor declares state of disaster in 31 counties; 5 soldiers killed in flooding

By Brian Lada, Meteorologist

June 3,2016; 8:05AM,EDT

 

 

Travel has become nearly impossible in some areas of Texas as substantial rain and rising rivers have led to widespread flooding over the past week.
Some of the worst flooding has occurred from central Texas to the Gulf Coast. Up to 13 inches of rain fell in just 12 hours near Saratoga, Texas, according to radar estimates. Saratoga is located about 60 miles northeast of Houston.
Five soldiers based out of Fort Hood were killed and another four are still missing after their vehicle overturned in a low-water crossing on Thursday, according to the Fort Hood Press Center. Three other soldiers have been rescued and were taken to a local hospital where they are in stable condition, the military post confirmed.
The deceased soldiers were removed from the water downstream of their Light Medium Tactical Vehicle, according to Fort Hood.
Rescue efforts are underway with local and state agencies on hand to assist with the emergency operation. The crews are utilizing aircraft, canine search teams, heavy-ground equipment and swift-water rescue watercraft.
Emergency personnel first responded to the scene at around 11:20 a.m. local time.
Flooding has forced road closures all across the state with more than 130 closures as of Thursday afternoon, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Floodwaters overtook this area in Rosenberg, Texas, on Tuesday. (Facebook photo/Texas Department of Transportation)
Road closures are likely to last into the weekend, particularly in areas along the Brazos River.
The river reached record level on Thursday as the water level climbed above 54 feet, the highest water level ever recorded on the river at the Richmond water gauge.
Over 300 water rescues have been conducted since Sunday due to the rising water, according to the Associated Press. Residents along the river were also forced to evacuate their homes due to the rising water.
The flooding left not only people, but also animals, running to higher ground.
Organizations, such as the SPCA, helped to rescue animals including horses and cattle that were trapped by high water.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for 31 counties in Texas.
The counties include the cities of Lubbock and College Station, as well as areas surrounding Houston and Austin.
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More life-threatening flooding is likely with additional rounds of rain expected into the weekend.
Not only can additional rain worsen existent flooding, but it could also cause flooding in new areas.
People that are near rising rivers should have a plan in place in case evacuations are ordered.
Dustin Toll, left, and other family members use two boats on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, to remove furniture from the mobile home of his grandparents, which had been flooded by the Brazos River in Rosenberg, Texas. (AP Photo/Juan Lozano)
This road near Childress, Texas, is impassable after flood waters caused part of the road to washout. (Photo/TxDOT Childress)
An aerial photo of the Brazos River in Fort Bend County. (Photo/TxDOT - HOU District)
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