GEORGETOWN, TEXAS — A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for residents living in mobile home parks along the San Gabriel River, as rapidly rising floodwaters threaten neighborhoods with swift and dangerous conditions.
Emergency management officials in Williamson County issued the alert late Thursday evening and began executing evacuations early Friday morning. The areas most at risk include the Riverside, Shady River, and Goodwater mobile home communities, which sit in low-lying regions adjacent to the river and are now facing life-threatening flooding.
⛔ WHO IS AFFECTED:
Residents of the following areas are ordered to evacuate immediately:
- Riverside Mobile Home Park
- Shady River Mobile Home Park
- Goodwater Mobile Home Park
Law enforcement and emergency response teams are going door-to-door to ensure all residents are alerted and have the means to evacuate. Loudspeakers, text alerts, and social media warnings are also being used to spread the word.
🌊 What Happened:
Over the past 48 hours, Central Texas has been pounded by relentless thunderstorms, with rainfall totals exceeding 6 inches in some areas. The San Gabriel River, already swollen from previous storms, has now breached its banks in several locations, creating a flash flood emergency.
The National Weather Service warns that conditions may deteriorate quickly, and any delay in evacuation could be deadly.
🚨 Officials Urge:
“If you live in these areas—do not wait. Get out now. Water levels are rising fast, and emergency vehicles may not be able to reach you later,” said Georgetown Fire Chief Ryan Hadley during a press briefing.
🏚️ Shelter and Assistance:
The Georgetown Community Center (445 E Morrow St.) has been opened as a temporary evacuation shelter. Transportation assistance is being provided for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and families without vehicles.
Residents are encouraged to bring:
- Important documents
- Medications
- Cell phones and chargers
- Clothing and personal essentials
- Pets in carriers (with food if possible)
📢 Social Media Warnings:
Local officials, including Williamson County Emergency Services, have taken to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram urging people to evacuate immediately.
Posts are being shared with hashtags:
#GeorgetownFlood #EvacuateNow #SanGabrielRiverFlooding
🛑 Road Closures:
Multiple roads near the San Gabriel River are already impassable.
Closed roads include:
- FM 1460 at San Gabriel River
- CR 152 near Riverside
- Portions of River Bend Drive
Drivers are urged to never attempt to cross flooded roads. “Turn around, don’t drown” warnings are in full effect.
🙏 A Community at Risk:
This is not the first time the San Gabriel River has posed a threat to these neighborhoods, but the speed and force of this event have caught many by surprise.
“I’ve lived in Goodwater for 15 years, and I’ve never seen it come up this fast,” said longtime resident Angela Martinez. “We’re packing up everything we can and heading out.”
📞 What to Do:
If you are in the affected areas and need help evacuating, call the Williamson County Emergency Hotline at (512) 943-1393.
Stay tuned to local media, emergency alerts, and official city channels for updates. The situation is still developing, and conditions may change rapidly.
⚠️ This is a dangerous and potentially deadly situation. Please act quickly and prioritize your safety.
We will continue to update this story as new information becomes available. Stay safe, Georgetown.
