11:20 am 5/2/24
A Declaration of Disaster has been issued this date, and I am recommending a Voluntary Evacation of low-lying area s of Hardin County at this time as flood waters will continue to rise today and throughout the weekend due to the recent and forecasted torrential rains.
Residents along Menard Creek in Northwest Hardin County have experienced flooding conditions this week, and flood conditions there are deteriorating this morning. That will continue in the days ahead. Village Creek at Kountze is currently forecast to crest on Sunday at an elevation similar to its crest on April 12th, causing similar flooding along the Village Creek corridor as experienced a few weeks ago, if not worse. The Neches River at the Saltwater Barrier will crest higher during this event, as will Pine Island Bayou at Sour Lake. Everyone living in low-lying areas should make preparations now to evacuate to higher ground, and do so at the appropriate time, before additional roadways become impassible.
Sandbags will be available at each County Commissioner’s Precinct Barn.