Navasota River Swells, Highways Closed Amidst Historic Flood Threat

Highway 7, stretching from Kosse to Marquez at FM 937, was shut down as the Navasota River swelled beyond its banks, fueled by recent heavy rains. The closure came amidst concerns of historic flooding levels, prompting authorities to caution residents and travelers in the region.
Following torrential downpours over the past few days, the Navasota River is on the brink of reaching an all-time high. The anticipated crest of 27.6 feet within the next 24 hours is expected to be the third-highest recorded, with additional precipitation forecasted for the upcoming weekend.
The Brazos River Authority has issued a statement highlighting the dire situation across the central Brazos River Basin, particularly in the vicinity of Lake Limestone and downstream along the Navasota River. Lake Limestone, not designed for flood control, has reached full capacity, necessitating record water releases exceeding 58,000 cubic feet per second to safeguard dam integrity.
"As flooding conditions persist, these releases are imperative," emphasized the Brazos River Authority. "Residents should brace for unprecedented flows in the Navasota, compounded by runoff from tributaries and impending rainfall."
Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution when navigating areas surrounding the Navasota River and to refrain from traversing flooded roadways. Continuous monitoring of river conditions through official channels, including the US National Weather Service West Gulf River Forecast Center, is strongly advised.
In addition to the river's swelling, the same weather system responsible for the rising waters also triggered a train derailment in the Shiloh area, near LCR 456 & 460. Fortunately, no injuries or immediate hazards have been reported, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the storm's impact.
Furthermore, FM 1365 has been closed due to a section of the road being washed away, adding to the transportation challenges brought forth by the severe weather conditions.
As communities brace for further rainfall and heightened flood risks, authorities remain vigilant, urging residents to prioritize safety and heed all official warnings and advisories.