Flood Conditions Prompt Emergency Reponses, Rescues Across San Angelo Area
UPDATE: At a 5pm new conference, Mayor Thompson announced that shelter admittance would still be available to people displaced by flood waters at PaulAnn Church, 2531 Smith Blvd, until 7pm tonight.
Those needing shelter assistance after 7pm were asked to call the San Angelo Police Department's non-emergency line at 325-657-4315.
211 can also be dialed for additional resources after the evening of July 4. You'll be asked for your ZIP code so operators can point you in the right direction.
Donations Welcome From Those Wishing to Help
The San Angelo Area Foundation is also collecting monetary donations to help those impacted and displaced. Information on how to donate can be found at saafound.org.
What About Debris?
Mayor Thompson asked that anyone removing debris from their home not try to take it to the area's landfill (which is currently closed to the public) or throw it into the street. Residents are encouraged to remove the debris from their home and place it on their curb. Thompson said officials are working on a plan to collect the debris.
Residents with damage inside their homes were advised that the Texas Department of Emergency Management would have information on what to do in the coming days. Mayor Thompson encouraged residents to get photos and measurements to document damage.
Call the Red Cross
Finally, Mayor Thompson encouraged those in need of additional assistance to call the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
Police Perspective
San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith spoke at the news conference as well. He said the San Angelo Police Department had received just under 1,000 calls for service in the 12 hours before the news conference at 5pm.
Chief Griffith said emergency responders had conducted just under 100 water rescues as of the time of the news conference. He thanked the San Angelo Fire Department for their participation in those rescues along with police. He also said citizens had shown up with their own boats to assist with rescues as well, and thanked community members for donations of food and clothing both to emergency officials and those impacted by the waters.
Chief Griffith urged drivers in the San Angelo area to obey road closure signs, and not to drive over any roadways that were covered by water.
In his remarks, Griffith said the area hit hardest was south of the loop near the Concho river and Bell Street, and that the area would be heavily patrolled by police Friday night into Saturday.
One Person Still Missing
According to Chief Griffith, one person remained missing as of the 5pm press conference. Griffith said the search for that person was being conducted in one area, but if it became necessary to expand the area of the search, additional details might be released.
Record Waters
Shane Kelton, Executive Director of Public Works, said at the conference that the city had seen record volumes of water moving through the town from the northside, and mentioned that the Bell Street gauging station peaked at 18 feet - one of the highest he's ever seen in the area. By 5pm, the water had receded to about 8.5 to 9 feet, according to Kelton. He said it will still take some time for waters to recede enough for officials to asses the extend of the impact of the waters on public systems.
Officials in the San Angelo area are warning residents to avoid roads and remain in place if it's safe to do so after heavy rains fell overnight, causing flood conditions.
San Angelo police warned residents to avoid the area of Bell/Pulliam in particular, as rescue operations were taking place there around 9AM Friday.
Shelter Available at PaulAnn Church on Smith Boulevard
The City of San Angelo announced on Facebook late Friday morning that a shelter has been set up at PaulAnn Church, located at 2531 Smith Blvd. Meanwhile, fire, police, and public safety personal continued their door-to-door effort to find any stranded residents, and residents were again asked to stay off the roads so rescue resources can remain committed to that purpose.
Road Closure Map Available
City officials were referring citizens to drivetexas.org to see a live map of current road closures.
News Conference Planned for 5PM Friday
At a news conference Friday morning, officials said an emergency declaration had been sent to Gov. Abbott for approval. Another news conference has been scheduled for 5pm. You should be able to watch it on the City of San Angelo's Facebook page, so keep an eye out there.
A report from sanangelolive.com indicated over 100 rescues had already taken place as of late Friday morning. Remember the motto: "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
Fourth of July Fireworks Postponed
Note: Planned 4th of July celebrations have been postponed until Saturday, July 5.
This article will be updated with any new vital information. You can also follow the San Angelo Police Department and City of San Angelo on Facebook for more updates.