Flooding in Parker County Keeps Search and Rescue Teams Busy

Residents along the Brazos River are dealing with a familiar problem: flooding.

The river overflowed its banks Sunday, and many who didn't leave their homes had to be rescued by boat.

"We knew it was coming," said Parker County Emergency Services Coordinator George Teague. "But it came faster than what was predicted."

Teague said there were many who did not listen to the warning to evacuate.

"It's just the nature of the beast. (Residents think) 'It's my home. I don't want to leave until I absolutely have to leave,'" he said. "About 30 percent of them wait until it's too late and then we either have to wade in, or take a boat in and get them out."

Teague is concerned a bad situation could get worse if officials have to open a third flood gate along the Brazos. Then, the water could reach near-record levels.

That's what happened over and over again Monday. Search and rescue teams estimated a call for help came in about every 15 minutes. They included calls to help rescue people, pets and more.

"We even had a cow we rescued this afternoon," Teague said.

Richard Pate moved his camper to higher ground and evacuated.