POLK COUNTY, Texas — Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy issued mandatory evacuation order for people living in the low-lying areas of the Trinity River due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
According to the Polk County Office of Emergency Management, the order impacts the unincorporated areas of the county along the Trinity River and below the Lake Livingston dam.
On Monday, Murphy initially made the order voluntary, but as of 2:30 p.m. the order has become mandatory.
The order states that the rainfall Sunday caused flooding in low-lying areas and on roadways throughout the county. The Trinity River Authority has increased discharge from the dam, and the discharge could increase and lead to more flooding in these areas along the river and below the dam.
More rainfall is expected throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service. The order said that if conditions get worse, first responders may not be able to reach these residents.
Those who need to evacuate are encouraged to shelter with relatives, friends or at a hotel/motel. Residents without any other options can seek shelter at Dunbar Gym, located at 1103 Dunbar Ave. in Livingston.