Posted: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 12:50 PM - 8,238 Readers

By: News 8 Austin

Many people across Central Texas are taking shelter as flood waters creep into their homes.

Officials in New Braunfels lifted the evacuation orders and closed the Guadalupe River to tubers. The Comal River is also closed to recreation. Officials are continuing to monitor water levels in the area.

The mayor of Belton called a local state of emergency Wednesday morning due to high water in the area. Rescue teams from surrounding cities are assisting in recovery efforts. According to a press release from the city, Emergency Operations Centers have been set up in Belton City Hall, the First Baptist Church on North Main Street and the 911 Center in Belton.

Officials with the city report that 26 people have been rescued from high water near Central Avenue and IH-35 in Belton.

City officials have asked Fort Hood to send over a water craft for possible rescues. According to the city manager Sam Listi, Nolan Creek has flooded its banks and is substantially affecting the downtown area.

Homes in Killeen were evacuated and officials with Killeen Fire and Police Departments say about 100 people were taken to the Killeen Community Center for shelter.

Evacuations also took place east of Metroplex Hospital. Water was waist-deep at an apartment complex on Watercrest Drive.

Just after 2 a.m., Round Rock authorities implemented reverse 911 notification for residents along the Brushy Creek flood plain, an area extending eastward from Hairy Man Road near Sam Bass to Red Bud Lane. Round Rock officials said approximately 16 residences were evacuated in the area, and 18 people are sheltered at the Clay Madsen Recreation Center.

Officers also went door to door warning residents to evacuate.

Crews with Georgetown Fire Department have rescued people from 10 vehicles in floodwaters and 10 flooded homes.

Further south, more than seven inches of rain has fallen over New Braunfels and the Comal and Guadalupe River watersheds.

The city sent out a reverse 911 call to residents living in the Live Oak Avenue and Dry Comal River area, recommending evacuation.

Evacuations were also ordered at a mobile home park in Nolanville. A car there was also swept away by flood waters near a Valero gas station.

Emergency shelters open

Round Rock:
Clay Madsen Recreation Center
1600 Gattis School Road
(512) 218-5515

Georgetown:
Recreation Center
1003 N. Austin Avenue
(512) 930-5310

New Braunfels:
New Braunfels Civic Center
375 South Castell Avenue

Florence:
Florence High School
401 Cr 970

Salado:
Salado Civic Center
601 North Main Street