The Colorado River crested overnight in Wharton
WHARTON, TX (KTRK) -- The Colorado River is quickly swallowing neighborhoods on the west side of Wharton.
It crested overnight at 48.29 feet which is the 4th highest crest on record.
That's the highest level observed since November 26th, 2004. The record is 51.90 from December 13, 1913.
Mayor Domingo Montalvo called for a mandatory evacuation as of 9am today.
The evacuation area is bounded by S Sheppard on the east, N Hendon on the north, Highway 59 on the west and Camellia on the south and from S Sunset from Bell St to Cloud due to the rise of the Colorado River. City leaders say the area impacted is about 1 square mile. There are about 350 homes in that area.
"All this water man, I don't think I can handle that," said Trevin Follins as he loaded a few belongings into a car and left.
"Is there anybody over there watching our stuff? Watching our property over there?" asked Cynthia Davis.
Texas Task Force One and the National Guard are both in place with boats and large profile vehicles to rescue those who can't get out on their own. So far they've rescued 30 people. Police Chief Terry Lynch says only 9 people so far have refused to leave. They will not be forcing people to go, Lynch says, despite the mandatory evacuation.
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A shelter is available at the Wharton Junior High School Gymnasium for those who are displaced. The 75 cots there weren't enough to hold everybody, so officials recently brought in 37 more.
Wharton ISD schools and offices will be closed Thursday and Friday due to the Colorado River flooding event. Classes will resume on Monday.
SCHOOLS: Full list of school closings
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