By Editor Terry Hagerty

A sunset Monday against a blue sky was an amazing sight after Tropical Storm Harvey produced torrential rains and winds over four days, resulting in catastrophic floods that swept Texas’ Gulf Coast and reached inland to Bastrop and neighboring counties. On Monday, a news release from the Bastrop Joint Incident Command Center (headquartered at the Bastrop Police Department) stated, “Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative reports that this storm caused 146 outages effecting 4,785 families and businesses with only 15 outages remaining, effecting 131 families and businesses. Crews will continue to work around the clock until all power has been restored. To report power problems call 1-800-949-4414. City utility systems in Bastrop, Smithville and Elgin are operating without interruption.” The Center said that three evacuation shelters had been opened throughout the County in response to the disaster: First United Methodist Church in Bastrop (now closed); Smithville Recreation Center; and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elgin.

City of Bastrop – City of Bastrop Public Works Director Trey Job said there was no flooding of Bastrop residences, as far as he knew. However, some Smithville neighborhoods experienced flooding as the Colorado River crested at approximately 32 and a half feet. LaGrange received even more severe flooding. Job said City crews removed about a half dozen trees that were felled during the storm. Public Works also helped area residents mitigate against potentially high waters by giving away four large truckloads of sand (and sandbags) totaling approximately eight tons at the Public Works yard on Linden Street on Friday.

Water Rescues – Office of Emergency Management Coordinator James Gabriel said there were “about 8-10” water rescues in the County, spread among area fire departments. Some of those rescues entailed the use of swift-water boats and/or (military) medium tactical vehicles, previously acquired by area fire departments. The vehicles sit tall and have an open bay with benches in back for numerous passengers, should that be needed. County crews and law enforcement also had their hands full responding to some motorists who chose to go around barriers at flooded low-water crossings, which resulted in eight arrests, Gabriel said. Monitoring of a radio scanner showed ignoble motorists who ignored barriers was one of the most frequent communications from first responders – potentially putting in danger their lives for rescues. However, Gabriel had high praise for those who obeyed the signs and other OEM advice/flood warnings: “I’m extremely proud of residents who obeyed our requests,” he said. County Commissioner Clara Beckett added that citizens, including local contractors, who sent in pictures of flooded and other potentially dangerous areas were “very helpful.” See bastropnews.com for updates on Hurricane Harvey’s local impact. (All photos with article are: Copyright 2017 by Terry Hagerty Photos)