MAVERICK COUNTY, Texas – After a mandatory evacuation was issued for portions of Maverick County due to an “imminent flooding risk,” county officials provided an update on high-water rescues and road closures.
According to Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantu, 47 residents from Quemado were rescued from rising floodwaters by emergency personnel.
Quemado, which is located along U.S. Highway 277, was one of two towns where a mandatory evacuation order was issued at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Monday. Normandy was the other town under the county’s mandatory evacuation order.
However, county staff also said most Quemado residents adhered to the county’s order.
“The greater portion of Quemado has complied with the mandatory evacuation for their safety, and we appreciate their cooperation,” Maverick County Chief of Staff Pablo Garcia Jr. said during a Tuesday morning news conference.
County officials also said they were monitoring for conditions in The Dalia and Elm Creek areas, which encompasses “approximately 120 homes.”
During a Tuesday afternoon news conference, Eagle Pass Assistant Fire Chief Rodolfo Cardona said two subdivisions located on each side of Elm Creek are experiencing fast-rising water.
Elm Creek runs through two subdivisions, U.S. Highway 277 and connects with the Rio Grande.
“It (the water) still has a few more feet to go before it crosses (U.S. Highway) 277 North,” Cardona said.
If waters rise up to U.S. Highway 277, which is also known as Del Rio Boulevard, Cardona said the road would be closed.
The assistant fire chief said it is unclear how much more water will enter Elm Creek and unclear how much higher Elm Creek will rise.
“It is important for the residents who live in that area to keep an eye on Elm Creek,” Cardona said. “And to make arrangements and pre-plan to be ready if, in fact, you would need to evacuate.”
Cardona also said water is “offloading” from Elm Creek into the Rio Grande. However, due to the Rio Grande’s elevated levels (10.5 feet, according to Cardona), the water is now backing up into other creeks.
“The discharge is not happening the way it should,” Cardona said on Tuesday afternoon.
Garcia Jr. also provided the following updates on highways and roads impacted by heavy rain within the last 24 hours:
- FM 1664 - OPEN as of 11:26 p.m. on Monday
- State Highway 131 - OPEN as of 1:48 a.m. Tuesday
- U.S. Highway 277 (northbound and southbound) - OPEN as of 3:37 a.m.
- FM 481 - CLOSED as of 5:18 a.m.
- FM 1666, FM 1591 and FM 1908 - CLOSED as of 5:40 a.m.
- Thompson Road - CLOSED as of 7:41 a.m.
Cantu asked residents to not travel through any of the closed roads with barricades and related signage.
“Judge Cantu has made it clear, and our priority remains: the safety and well-being of every resident,” Garcia said on Tuesday morning.
In a separate statement on Monday, the county said a temporary shelter had been set up for residents affected by ongoing weather conditions.
The shelter is located at the Cruz Antonio Muñoz Gymnasium, 2119 Epting Circle, in Eagle Pass.
Residents are urged to call 911 for emergencies. For other assistance or to report someone in need, residents can also call the Maverick County Emergency Operations Center at 830-421-5151.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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