Flash Flood in Victoria County, Texas

Widespread flash flooding occurred across much of Victoria county during the early morning. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain fell across the southern half of the county and between 4 and 8 inches fell across the northern half of the county, with isolated amounts between 8 and 11 inches. Flooding was reported at Benbow Road and Garcitas Creek and at U.S. 77 at Garcitas Creek, numerous roads throughout the city of Victoria and several Farm to Market Roads in the northern half of the county. U.S. 77 was closed from the north side of the city of Victoria to the Lavaca/De Witt/Victoria county line due to flooding at the county line and at least one vehicle was completely submereged in a high water crossing along U.S. 77. In Nursery, widespread flash flooding of creeks resulted in 25 homes with water in them as well as cars reported underwater. Up to 10 homes in the Tropical Acres subdivision of Victoria had water in them due to flash flooding of Spring Creek. Flooding of 3 homes along Benbow Road near Garcitas Creek also occured. Several evacuations of families were needed.

Street flooding in the city of Victoria was widespread, as approximately 8 inches fell over parts of Victoria over 24hrs, including approximately 4.5 inches within a 2 hour span. This led to widespread flooding over approximately 25-35% of the city���s streets, and an unknown but significant number of county roads. All told, approximately 160+ residences were flooded (almost all to a minimal degree). Additionally, a number of dwellings and vehicles suffered minor damage from falling trees or limbs. However, due to the rapidity in which most of the flood waters receded, Victoria was spared catastrophic loss to residential and business infrastructure. There was damage sustained to governmental infrastructure: Damage was done to the Victoria County Sheriff���s Office Communications Center when rainwater inundated a portion of the first floor. Damage was sustained to multiple City and County vehicles. A water-main was damaged and required expedient repair. A storm-water/drainage outfall was damaged by floodwater and will require repair.

Numerous roadways and subdivisions were flooded from near the community of Nursery to the northern portions of the city of Victoria. Water was as deep as a foot to a foot and a half in these areas. A few of the roads were closed between Victoria and Nursery for a couple of hours. Several cars were stranded in high water in Victoria.