Wharton mayor calls for voluntary evacuation due to flooding
WHARTON, TX (KTRK) -- The mayor of the city of Wharton called for a voluntary evacuation Wednesday for the west side of the city due to the predicted rise of the Colorado River.
Residents on the west side are encouraged to begin preparations to ensure they have an evacuation plan in place, plenty of water, nonperishable food items, sufficient clothing and any prescription medications they may need in the event of a flood.
"It's brought a lot of sadness to our community," Wharton resident Kasey Felceman said.
Homeowner Carmen Scarlett invited ABC-13 as she prepared to evacuate. She's bracing for 4 feet of water; that's how much her home flooded in 2004.
"This is what we are doing, just putting up trying to save everything," she said.
The city of Wharton continues to monitor the situation and has begun preparations for possible flooding. The City Office of Emergency Management is working with the Red Cross to establish a shelter for those who maybe misplaced by the flood and do not have a place to go. For additional information, check www.cityofwharton.com.
An emergency shelter is being set up by The Red Cross in Liberty as floodwaters continue to rise.
The Lake Livingston Dam release and the nearby Trinity River are major concerns for the area.
Already several families were stranded for days at their homes because of washed out roads. One mother even ran out of formula for her children.
A voluntary evacuation is in place. The emergency shelter is located at 318 San Jacinto in Liberty.
