Disaster declaration issued for Liberty County in wake of weekend flooding

LIBERTY COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- Liberty County Judge Jay Knight has issued a local disaster declaration as a result of the weekend rains and the continued flooding threat along the Trinity River.

A large portion of Liberty County received over 15 inches of rain Saturday, which resulted in serious flooding issues throughout the county. County official say many residents reported water inside their homes during and shortly after the heavy rain, however most report the water has since receded from inside their homes. A number of homes remain surrounded by water.

The Trinity River is above flood stage, currently at 28 feet in Liberty, and the Livingston Dam release remains at 43,800 cubic feet per second.

Indications are that additional increases in the release of water are possible over the next few days, and residents along the river are advised to plan for an event similar to what was experienced this past summer.

No evacuations have been issued at this time. No shelters have been opened in the county.

Officials estimate this flooding event could last a week to 10 days.