WATER LEVEL AT LAKE SOMERVILLE NEARING SPILLWAY

  

The level at Lake Somerville is not yet over the emergency spillway—but it is getting close.

Officials with Burleson and Washington counties and Somerville Police report that the water has not gone over the emergency spillway but could if there’s any more rain.

As of 5:00 Saturday, the water level at Lake Somerville stands at 257.98 feet—the height of the spillway is at 258-feet.

Washington County Emergency Management issued a statement shortly before 7:00 Friday night:

Take precautions. Due to the recent heavy rain fall and flooding of creeks and rivers, the water level at Lake Somerville is extremely high. The water is very near going over the uncontrolled spillway. This means that once it starts going over the spillway, there is no way to control the volume of water headed down stream. The water is over the road at FM 50 and Yegua Creek, and FM 50 is closed. Water is over the road at FM 1948 and the Yegua Creek Bridge, and FM 1948 is closed. The Brazos River is full and on the verge of coming out of its banks.  Residents in these areas should strongly consider voluntary evacuation of themselves, their family, and pets while some of the roads are still passable. There are also 19 county roads that are closed due to water over the road or damage to the road from the water. There is more rain forecasted for Saturday and Sunday which will make the water levels rise even more. We are working very closely with the National Weather Service, US Army CORPS, Burleson County OEM, and TXDOT to monitor this situation and provide updates as necessary.  Stay tuned to local media for further. REMEMBER: TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN