Flash Flood in Cooke County, Texas

Significant flooding occurred in the central portions of the county with numerous high water rescues required. People were forced to cut holes in their roofs in order to escape floodwaters in Gainesville, and several mobile homes were damaged. A mobile home along Pecan Creek was thrown into the floodwaters and came to stop only when it hit a bridge. Four family members were dumped into the creek and three of them drowned. Interstate 35 service roads and the northbound lane were flooded near Valley View. Interstate 35 had to be closed between Highway 82 and the Oklahoma border just north of Gainesville. Water was 2-3 feet deep over streets in Lindsay. A total of 300 homes and 75 businesses suffered water damage across the county, and 37,000 acres of crops were destroyed. The mayor estimated damages around $28 million, and the governor issued a disaster declaration for the county.

A 36 year old man died when his vehicle was swept away by flood waters three-quarters of a mile south of Spring Creek Road, north of Valley View, TX. A little while later, Interstate 35 north of Valley View had to be closed due to high water. Several vehicles had stalled in the high water on the interstate.

Very heavy rainfall resulted in significant flash flooding across the southern portions of Cooke County. Up to 10 inches of rain fell in the area. The town of Valley View was significantly affected by the flooding. Interstate 35 was shut down from the Denton County line north to mile marker 491. The water was 5-6 feet deep on the frontage road in some locations. One gas station along I-35 in Valley View had standing water in the convenience store. The interstate reopened between 8-9 am CDT. Numerous cars, trucks, and semis were stranded in the area; including along Interstate 35. The emergency manager estimated 20-30 vehicles were pulled from high water. Numerous high water rescues were conducted.