Tropical Storm and Flash Flooding in Texas, August 26 to 30, 2017

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

A number of places in Fayette, Lavaca, and Bastrop Counties received 20 or more inches of rain. Tropical storm force winds with estimated gusts up to 60 mph caused damage across the region. Trees and branches were knocked down by the winds. Some of these in turn knocked down power lines causing power outages. 100 People were evacuated in Bastrop County. Rainfall over the far western side of Bastrop County was about 12 inches, while the Smithville area had a 7 day rain total of nearly 24 inches. The Colorado River at Smithville crested near 32 feet on August 28, flooding about 60 homes in the Smithville area. There were about 150 low water crossings underwater and many roads were damaged. Overall estimates to damage in the county are about 1.5 million dollars, about a million of that coming from damage to roads and bridges.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County. The maximum recorded wind gust was 58 mph at Randolph AFB. Areas of Bexar County received as little as 1 inch of rain in the SW part of the County, to nearly 6 inches in the far NE sections of Bexar County. A few low water crossings were flooded. Tropical storm force winds with estimated gusts up to 60 mph caused some minor tree damage, uprooted trees, and knocked out power.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

Winds gusted to well over 50 mph across Caldwell County bringing some minor damage to trees and buildings. Minor structural damage was noted. The highest rainfall totals recorded across Caldwell County were between 15-20 inches across mainly north and east sections of the County. A few people were evacuated downstream of a small dam.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey caused major flooding around the county. At one time, 140 roads were closed the most ever recorded. The emergency manager estimated that 75% of the county's roads were damaged by flooding. The cost of the damage to roads and dams was estimated at $10 million. There were 18 homes destroyed and another 198 damaged by flood water with a total cost of $2.85 million.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

Winds frequently gusted over 50 mph across the county, The maximum recorded wind gusts were 58 mph at New Braunfels Airport. Tropical storm force winds with estimated gusts up to 60 mph caused damage across the region. Trees and branches were knocked down by the winds. Some of these in turn knocked down power lines causing power outages. At one point, 15,000 customers in Comal County were without power. There was also some minor structural damage in Comal County. Maximum rainfall totals were near 7 inches on the east side of the county. Several low water crossings were flooded for days. Wind driven rain led to water damage at the New Braunfels Police Department as well as the Christus Santa Rosa Hospital. Comal County hosted over 200 middle Texas coast evacuees.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

Tropical Storm force winds and winds gusts caused minor tree damage. A few trees were uprooted. The highest rainfall total was 29.19 inches outside of LaGrange in Fayette County. Most locations in Fayette County received 20 or more inches of rain. Heavy rain and flooding caused the evacuation of about 400 residents as the Colorado River at LaGrange rose to 54.2 feet. This was the third highest crest ever. Much of the city below Waters Street was flooded. Schools in the Fayetteville Independent School District sustained $80,000 damage. There were roughly 400 impacted homes across the county, 200 had substantial flood damage, 150 moderate damage, and 50 minor damage. About 2 dozen businesses in and near LaGrange sustained major flood damage. Flooding was mainly along the Colorado River from Bastrop County all the way through Fayette County. Additional flooding and homes flooded along Buckners Creek in LaGrange and Cummins Creek near Round Top area. 5 to 6 homes flooded near Fayetteville. Infrastructure loss from roads and bridges across the county is about $500K. Insured/uninsured losses is unknown but is likely in the tens of millions.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

Sustained tropical storm force winds were observed with gusts over 50 mph. Widespread wind damage was reported, but was confined to mainly trees and uprooted trees. Several creeks were well over their banks and led to significant flooding downstream. The widespread 10-15 inches of rain flooded out a couple of homes. The highest rainfall total recorded was nearly 20 inches of rain about 13 miles east of Gonzales.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

Winds frequently gusted to over 50 mph during the event, producing scattered power outages and tree damage. Some trees were uprooted. Much of the county received 8-12 inches of rain, producing flooding on some roads and low water crossings. The highest recorded rain total near 12 inches was near Kingsbury. Monetary losses are estimated.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

The eastern half of Hays County experienced tropical storm force winds with gusts as high as 50 mph during the storm. This produced some minor tree damage and knocked out power. 100 people were evacuated due to rising water on creeks and the threat of a small dam breach during the height of the event. A sinkhole developed on Highway 21 due to the heavy rain amounts. Across the county, rainfall totals averaged 8 to 12 inches along and east of Interstate 35. Monetary loss are estimates of road repair.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

Across Karnes County, sustained tropical storm force winds brought some minor tree and branch damage but overall impact of the storm was limited to the far eastern sections of the County. Rainfall across the county averaged 3-6 inches.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

The area received sustained Tropical Storm force winds with many gusts well over 50 mph. Several trees were down across the county including some structural damage noted in Yoakum and Shiner. The Navidad River reached record heights at both Sublime and Speaks. The high water mainly affected floodplain and no structures were directly impacted. Some roads were closed due to high water in the river, but also from the high rain totals across the county. The highest rain total was 20 inches of rain near Shiner. Other areas to the south likely received 15 to 20 inches based on radar estimates.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

The largest impact across Lee County was the rainfall where as much as 20 inches fell near Giddings. The southern half of the county experienced the worst flooding with 25 homes being impacted, many of those having experienced major damage. The tropical storm force winds did bring some trees down across the county.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

Winds of 30 to 40 mph were persistent across the county while rainfall totals averaged near 8 inches near Stockdale to only a few inches to the southwest side of the County. Few overall problems were observed across Wilson County.

Hurricane Harvey moved onshore as a Category 4 hurricane over San Jose Island east of Rockport during the late evening of August 25th. Harvey moved inland entering southern DeWitt County during the morning of August 26th as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to weaken as it moved farther inland eventually reaching south central Gonzales County as a tropical storm during the late evening of August 26th. The center of the storm made a loop through Gonzales, Karnes, and DeWitt Counties before exiting our County Warning Area during the afternoon of August 27th moving into Victoria County.

The eastern half of Hays County experienced tropical storm force winds with gusts as high as 50 mph during the storm. This produced some minor tree damage and knocked out power. 100 people were evacuated due to rising water on creeks and the threat of a small dam breach during the height of the event. A sinkhole developed on Highway 21 due to the heavy rain amounts. Across the county, rainfall totals averaged 8 to 12 inches along and east of Interstate 35. Monetary loss are estimates of road repair.

The largest impact across Lee County with Harvey was the rainfall where as much as 20 inches fell near Giddings. The southern half of the county experienced the worst flooding with 25 homes being impacted, many of those having experienced major damage. The tropical storm force winds did bring some trees down across the county. Damage from the flooding is estimated to be near 250K dollars.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey caused flash flooding closing CR 123 at Brushy Creek near Hutto.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey caused flash flooding closing CR 177 at Brushy Creek in Leander.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to a swift water rescue near Lytton Springs.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey caused major flooding around the county. At one time, 140 roads were closed the most ever recorded. The emergency manager estimated that 75% of the county's roads were damaged by flooding. The cost of the damage to roads and dams was estimated at $10 million. There were 18 homes destroyed and another 198 damaged by flood water with a total cost of $2.85 million.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to a swift water rescue just north of Luling.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to a swift water rescue near Cedar Creek.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to a water rescue near Rockne.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to a water rescue near Smithville.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to multiple water rescues and 100 low water crossings being closed around the southern part of the county.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding that closed the eastbound lanes of Hwy 71 at Smithville.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to a swift water rescue in Smithville.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to a swift water rescue and several residences being surrounded by flood water in Smithville.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to a swift water rescue in Smithville.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding closing numerous roads around the county.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to a water rescue on FM 1322 outside of Luling.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding leading to a swift water rescue near Misty Ln. at FM 2720 near Uhland.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding closing numerous roads in the county including sections of Hwy 71.

Tropical Storm force winds and winds gusts caused minor tree damage. A few trees were uprooted. The highest rainfall total was 29.19 inches outside of LaGrange in Fayette County. Most locations in Fayette County received 20 or more inches of rain. Heavy rain and flooding caused the evacuation of about 400 residents as the Colorado River at LaGrange rose to 54.2 feet. This was the third highest crest ever. Much of the city below Waters Street was flooded. Schools in the Fayetteville Independent School District sustained $80,000 damage. There were roughly 400 impacted homes across the county, 200 had substantial flood damage, 150 moderate damage, and 50 minor damage. About 2 dozen businesses in and near LaGrange sustained major flood damage. Flooding was mainly along the Colorado River from Bastrop County all the way through Fayette County. Additional flooding and homes flooded along Buckners Creek in LaGrange and Cummins Creek near Round Top area. 5 to 6 homes flooded near Fayetteville. Infrastructure loss from roads and bridges across the county is about $500K. Insured/uninsured losses is unknown but is likely in the tens of millions.

A number of places in Fayette, Lavaca, and Bastrop Counties received 20 or more inches of rain. Tropical storm force winds with estimated gusts up to 60 mph caused damage across the region. Trees and branches were knocked down by the winds. Some of these in turn knocked down power lines causing power outages. 100 People were evacuated in Bastrop County. Rainfall over the far western side of Bastrop County was about 12 inches, while the Smithville area had a 7 day rain total of nearly 24 inches. The Colorado River at Smithville crested near 32 feet on August 28, flooding about 60 homes in the Smithville area. There were about 150 low water crossings underwater and many roads were damaged. Overall estimates to damage in the county are about 1.5 million dollars, about a million of that coming from damage to roads and bridges.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Harvey produced flash flooding closing I-10 at mile marker 655.