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High Water Rescues Abundant Due to Rains

The Sulphur Springs Fire Department was dispatched to the Hopkins County line at Highway 11 west to rescue the neighboring Commerce Police Department crews, who were in process of rescuing individuals from their home – also taken to safer ground.

According Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell the Sulphur Springs Fire Department has a swift water rescue unit and has responded to five calls on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Sulphur Springs Fire Department Chief Eric Hill said, “When we left the scene the Sulphur River was still rising with water close to a mile wide in areas.”

SSFD Chief Hill said several were taken to safety including a woman and three children plus three more individuals and three dogs from the high water.

“The rescue came out good. We have been assisting Hopkins County and Cumby personnel,” said SSFD Chief Hill with their six-man trained and certified unit.

The East Texas area has seen a steady stream of rains for the Thanksgiving holiday with just over four inches reported at 8 a.m. at the water treatment plant in Sulphur Springs.

Low lying areas throughout neighboring counties are also experiencing road closures and high water near bridges. Areas surrounding the Sulphur River in Delta/Lamar Counties have also seen more rainfall and flooding than it has had in over 30 years.

Forecasts are calling for 100 percent chances of continued rain throughout the remainder of the weekend and into Monday evening.

Drivers are reminded of the “Turn around, don’t drown” motto.

He reminds as little as two foot of water on the road can move a vehicle, not to mention the risk of the road being washed away by raging waters.

“It is not a good idea to drive over flooded roads,” said the chief.

Access roads in Greenville to Interstate 30 and areas of State Highway 24 are currently under water. Make advanced plans for detours in travels. Go to http://drivetexas.org/#/10/33.5312/-95.6932?future=false