Afternoon Flood Update - Monday, Aug. 28, 1:30 p.m.

The Colorado River was still rising as of 1 p.m. this afternoon, Aug. 28, at 54.11 feet. That's just spitting distance from the all-time record of 56.7 feet in 1869, the highest the river has been in over a century. The Hurrican Harvey flood is at least the third highest on record.

National Weather Serivce flood data show the river receeding in Bastrop and Smithville right now, so that may bring some relief to La Grange in the next few hours.

The US 77 bridge remains open below the Bluff. Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson Cari Hensley said highway crews are watching the bridge and the weather closely. 

"We're not out of the woods yet," Hensley said.

TxDOT did close US 77 at Raabs Creek north of La Grange for a few hours last night.

State Highway 71 and Business 71 remain closed at the river in La Grange in both directions. Hensley urged drivers to stay off the roads. She said TxDOT urges motorists to obey road closure barricades even after floodwaters go down so that highway crews can inspect roads for damages. "It could be dangerous to drivers, plus its against the law to drive past a barricade," Hensley said.

Motorists should check for road closers at www.drivetexas.org. Closure information for county roads is available at www.atxfloods.com.

Lt. David Beyer of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies rescued several residents from rising waters on Hanacek Loop, Airport Road and Johnson Road. Beyer said deputies also rescued a man stranded in a truck last night on FM 153 north of La Grange.

The City of La Grange has issued a boil water notice. The notice only affects City of La Grange water customers. See our earlier post for more information on the La Grange water.