Residents in Liberty County dealing with high water

LIBERTY COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- The cattle and horses are dry but the swollen Trinity River hasn't crested yet.

Liberty County Rancher Felicia Worthy says, "This has been a very remarkable year here."

For the third time this year all eyes are on the rising river. Worthy says, "With the dam release on the Trinity River in Livingston this road will be under water probably again on the other end as well. It makes is inaccessible except by boat."

The water hasn't reached the animals or their home but in this ranching community they have to make sure and stock plenty of supplies, gas, diesel and feed. "We don't just live on the river, this water affects us from miles away, it's coming from Dallas, Livingston, just a part of what we do to survive," says Worthy.

High water across the road cuts off their route. Worthy took cell phone video of one of their supply trips earlier this year where they saw high water on mailboxes, even a car under water.

Precinct 2 County Commissioner Greg Arthur says it's been the worst year in two decades. Arthur says, "The one in March was probably the worst this one will probably be as bad as that one." Most of those affected are in his district, about thirteen subdivisions along the river. Arthur adds, "There's nothing you can do. When they start releasing so much out of the dam and we've had so much rain there is nothing you can do about it. Make sure most of the people in these subdivisions are aware of what's going to happen and they prepare."

While the animals at the Worthy Ranch are enjoying an afternoon meal, they have to keep an eye on them as water moves in and brings more critters to the back doorstep. "The water pushes the Ferrell hogs up, lots of wildlife here and in the roads, snakes," says Worthy.

Local leaders expect the high water to be a problem through the holidays.