ANDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — Severe flooding across Anderson County on Thursday led to the dramatic rescue of a mother and her toddler and has caused dozens of road closures as emergency responders scramble to manage the situation.
According to Christina Crockett from the Anderson County Emergency Management Office, floodwaters have overtaken many roadways, and conditions remain dangerous in low-lying areas. She warned that additional rainfall over the weekend could worsen the situation.
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This Article Includes
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- 0.2 Deported U.S. Child With Rare Brain Tumor Pleads for Reentry Amid Trump-Era Policy Crackdown
- 0.3 UPDATED LIST: Road Closures Across East Texas Amid Heavy Rain, Flooding
- 1 Mother and Toddler Rescued from Floodwaters
- 2 Emergency Crews Warn of Widespread Flood Damage
- 3 Closed Roads in Anderson County (Updated)
- 4 Safety Advisory
Mother and Toddler Rescued from Floodwaters
One of the most harrowing moments came on County Road 2202 in Palestine, where Slocum’s Swiftwater Rescue Team rescued Laura Foster and her 2-year-old daughter after floodwaters stranded them atop their vehicle.
“The water started exceeding in the car, going to pass my daughter’s neck,” Foster recounted. “So I reached in the backseat and strapped her from the baby seat.”
Foster said she screamed for help until rescuers arrived and pulled them to safety. Emergency Medical Services checked both of them after the rescue; they are expected to be okay.
“Never chance it,” Foster cautioned. “That was definitely a life experience and situation and it was very scary for me.”
The Slocum rescue team also responded to multiple other emergency calls for people trapped in high water across the county.
Emergency Crews Warn of Widespread Flood Damage
Circle 84 Volunteer Fire Department Captain Brandon Stapleton told KETK that the scale of damage was extensive and unusual.
“Every couple of years we see flooding, but to this extent, it’s not very often,” Stapleton said.
“Roads are washed out, trees are down, people are trapped in—it’s the whole nine yards right now.”
Closed Roads in Anderson County (Updated)
As of Thursday, the following roads in Anderson County remain closed, flooded, or washed out:
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CR 364 (off Highway 155, outside Palestine)
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CR 2608 (Tennessee Colony)
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CR 321 (between 1100–1200 block)
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CR 325 (500 block)
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FM 315 (between FM 321 and FM 837)
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CR 430
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CR 2202
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CR 386
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CR 1231
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CR 1232
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CR 199
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FM 861
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CR 103 (Elkhart area)
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FM 1817
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FM 2022
Safety Advisory
Anderson County authorities continue to urge drivers and residents to exercise extreme caution, especially in areas prone to flooding.
“We are trying to urge residents to please still use caution in the low-lying areas as we continue to have a chance of more rain through the weekend,” Crockett said.
The “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” message has been reiterated by both emergency responders and those rescued from high waters.
For live updates and a map of flooded areas, visit the Texas Department of Transportation DriveTexas map or follow local emergency management social media pages.
