Evacuations underway for Simonton, Northwood Pines

SIMONTON, TX (KTRK) -- Authorities have upgraded an evacuation as mandatory for Simonton residents.

The mandatory evacuation has been ordered for Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Valley Lodge Subdivision due to conditions on the Brazos River.

The river continues to threaten lives and property as the waters rise, officials say, and that threat will continue to increase for the next several days.

In a statement, the Mayor's office cites rising river levels and forecast information from the National Weather Service. Specifically, authorities are concerned about the Livingston Dam.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter to help displaced persons at the Shepherd Community Center (10251 TX-150, Shepherd, TX 77371).

Residents with any questions should contact the Simonton Emergency Operations Center at 281-346-4102.

Northwoods Pines evacuation

Meantime, in the Northwoods Pines subdivision and the Park at Northgate Apartments, yet another voluntary evacuation is underway.

Authorities say high water is accumulating behind the Northgate Levee along Spring Creek at I-45. The Harris County Flood Control District says the evacuation is just a precaution in the event of a levee breach or failure.

Officials are asking for residents to evacuate by 2pm and should exercise extreme caution.

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