A potentially dangerous flooding situation unfolded Tuesday in Parker County.
The Brazos River Authority warned people downstream from Possum Kingdom Lake about the potential for severe flooding.
Because of the concern for residents, the American Red Cross set up a shelter at Spring Creek Baptist Church in Weatherford for those who need it.
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The shelter is located at 100 Spring Creek Road in Weatherford and opened its doors at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Officials with the Brazos River Authority opened a third flood gate on Monday following the tremendous amount of rain seen across the area over the last several days. On Tuesday morning, officials announced on their website they closed the third gate but were still releasing water from two gates.
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Parker County officials said this could start impacting residents throughout the day Tuesday.
The Horseshoe Bend neighborhood, just south of the Weatherford area along the Hood and Parker county lines and Highway 16, is of particular concern to county officials. There, the Brazos had already pushed well past the banks and onto people's property by Tuesday morning.
"We spent so much time fixing everything out there and it's just nuts. This rain has been crazy. Nonstop - it's really scary, to be honest," said Tyler Ashley, who recently bought a vacation home in the area.
Ashley is one of several residents who were seen packing up their belongings and evacuating the area Tuesday. Others whose homes are elevated on stilts are taking the chance and staying behind.
Residents who say they're used to flooding were taken by surprise by how high the water had risen.
"It should be coming in pretty soon, so it's gonna be higher," said Scott Dyson, who owns a home on the Brazos River banks. "We're taking a chance leaving the RV there. But we're just going to hope for the best."
James Beams, his wife and seven pets had to be rescued by firefighters on Tuesday. Initially determined to stay in their home, once the power went out, neighbors convinced them to leave for a nearby shelter.
"Everybody in this whole community is great, everybody checks on each other, takes care of each other," Beams said. "I ain't upset. I ain’t drowning. My dogs are here. My wife is here. So we’re good."
Parker County Emergency Management Coordinator Sean Hughes said the floodwaters should crest in many parts of the county around midnight Tuesday. The flood stage in the area is 21-25 feet, but the Brazos is expected to crest near 25 feet, Hughes said.
"As long as it doesn't get to my house. I've got two small kids... had to evacuate two kids, four cats and two dogs," Horseshoe Bend resident Lila Garner said.
As of Tuesday evening, there was no mandatory evacuation order in place in the area. Many were still trying to decide whether to stay or leave.
“You just go into camping mode, you know. You prep your food and make sure everything stays in a deep freeze and have plenty of water. We went and bought water this morning to just be prepared for anything that could happen," Brian Vasquez said.
The American Red Cross shelter is open for anyone who needs it.
Meanwhile, officials said electricity would be shut off to homes in danger of flooding to prevent any hidden dangers.
