Water on roads, trees down as storms pass through East Texas
SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – Authorities across East Texas are urging drivers to use caution before getting on the roads Tuesday morning.
Storms began appearing Monday night after the eclipse with tornado watches and flood warnings being issued in multiple local areas.
Anderson County
The Anderson County Emergency Management Office asks that travelers do not drive through barricades, and said the following roads are closed Tuesday due to water over roads:
ACR 2303
ACR 2202
ACR 3365
ACR 481
Gladewater
The Gladewater Police Department said Shell Camp Road will remain closed for an unknown length of time. People are asked to find an alternative route at this time.
Harrison County
The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said a house was flooded and a tree fell on a highway following the storms.
According to the sheriff’s office, a tree fell on Highway 43 North and Walker Road. Officials said a house was flooded on Blocker Road.
“Rain is going to persist throughout the night, so please exercise caution and remain vigilant of the constantly changing road conditions,” the sheriff’s office said.
Flooded house on Blocker Road, courtesy of Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Fallen tree on Highway 43, courtesy of Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.
Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville announced that Lake Jacksonville is closed due to a rising water level.
Kilgore
Officials in Kilgore said that, as of 7:30 a.m. there is some flooding on Friz Swanson Road with Water reported over the road on Wildwood Lane.
According to police, Houston Street near the golf course has a downed tree and city crews are responding.
“Flooding occurs quickly and sometimes happens following the rainfall,” officials said. “When you see water over the road, turn around and don’t drown.”
Longview
Authorities said the 900 block of North Fredonia Street between Judson Road and North Green Street in Longview is shut down after a retaining wall fell into the street.
“Emergency personnel and a crew from the City of Longview are on the scene,” officials with Longview PD said. “Please find an alternative route around this area.”
Marshall
Marshall PD reported around 7:30 a.m. that they are experiencing scattered crashes across town “due to the severe weather” with several cars stranded on West Grand near the loop.
“Please exercise extreme caution if you need to travel this morning,” officials with Marshall police said. “Slow down, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid areas with known issues if possible until conditions improve.”
Panola County
Panola County authorities said that Highway 79 North near FM 31 was closed around 9 a.m. due to a crash. A driver was rescued after officials said they drove into swift water on CR 224.
At around 1 p.m., the sheriff’s office said CR 336, also known as Old Town Road, is closed due to a washout near FM 31. Water over the roadway has been reported on CR 153, CR 125 at Brushy Creek, CR 301 past CR 302 and several sections of CR 302.
Rusk County
Photos courtesy of Rusk County Electric Cooperative Photos courtesy of Rusk County Electric Cooperative Photos courtesy of Rusk County Electric Cooperative
The Rusk County Emergency Management and Fire Marshal’s office said people should avoid roads 468, 376, 485, 461, 401, 447, 445, 453, 4105, 481, 4242, 4232, 478 due to flooding.
Officials said the water is expected to recede by Wednesday morning with more rain expected. People are asked to plan accordingly for power outages through the night.
Anyone wishing to report any road damage, trees or flooding is asked to contact Commissioner Bennie Whitworth at 936-554-2557.
Smith County
Officials with Smith County said that CR 463, also known as Wood Springs Road under I-20, and 370 have water over the roadways.
“Please do not drive through high water crossings,” Smith County said in a release. “Smith County Road and Bridge crews are out clearing downed trees, but none have been reported blocking the entire road to cause a closure.”
Photo of CR 370 courtesy of Smith County. State Highway 14 and North Carlyle in Smith County. Highway 155, courtesy of Smith County Emergency Service District 2.
Nearly 22,0000 without power in East Texas
Tyler
Tyler Parks and Recreation said on Wednesday that some areas of their parks and trail systems, including the Rose Rudman Trail, are impacted by the rain. People are asked to steer clear from these areas.
The City of Tyler Water Utilities said all public boat ramps on Lake Tyler are temporarily closed due to the rain.
According to a release, the ramps are closed to visitors and lake residents due to boating hazards. The ramps will reopen once lake levels recede.
Texarkana
Texarkana PD said the storms have created some traffic issues Tuesday morning, including a tree fallen across Buchanan Road between South Lake Drive and Liberty Lane.
Officials said at 7:30 a.m. that the area of the downed tree should be avoided for a few hours as crews works to get the road cleared.
Whitehouse
Whitehouse PD reported at 8 a.m. that water is covering northbound traffic lanes on 110 N near Tire Worx and urged caution on roads as they continue to monitor the area.
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