River peaked near 2017 flooding levels

• Sabine river flooding peaked near the 2017 level flooding residences near the river as well as the Logansport City Park. Annika Bloy | LIght and Champion

The Sabine River has not seen flooding of this magnitude since 2016 when the river crested at a record level of 174.36 feet, according to The National Weather Service. The flood stage was at 24 feet Monday, but reached 33.24 feet March 10, 2016.

Low lying areas along the Sabine River were flooded as large amounts of rain moved down the river reaching, if not surpassing 2016 levels, according to the Sabine River Authority. Levels originally predicted to rise to 35 feet remained near 33.5 feet.

Luciana Barr, Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator, stated that April 15 the river was at 33.5 feet but has been steadily going down. More rain is in the forecast; however, the river is predicted to rise no higher than current levels.

As a precaution, Emergency Management is asking residents along the river to keep belongings secure the remainder of the week.

Several sites were set up in the community for residents displaced or needing supplies. Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department has water bottles and sandbags ready with extra sand to fill more bags if needed. Focused Care of Center opened their doors for elderly or disabled people whose homes flooded.

Fire Departments from Killeen, San Angelo, Gainesville, Mesquite and Grand Prairie have joined Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department in preparation for the possible flooding.

The current release rate Monday was 5,000 cubic feet per second. At 2:25 p.m. Thursday, the reservoir elevation was 172.18 feet, and at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, the reservoir elevation was 172.42 feet, very mean level of 172.00 feet.