There will be more flooding in the lower Trinity River valley from the dam to Galveston Bay, including the area between Liberty and Dayton due to damage to a 2 1/2 mile dam that holds back the 55 mile long Lake Livingston. Also the main route, Hwy 59, from East Texas to Houston is shut down and traffic is being diverted to Interstate 45 70 miles above Houston. Just what those trying to get home need.
Ft Worth Star Telegram
Dallas Morning News
Almost every lake in Texas was created damming riverways since the Trinity Valley Authority was created. Lake livingston is one of the Largest lakes in Texas and was created with the damming of the Trinity River.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Statement with the Trinity River near Goodrich already 1' above flood stage and all downstream locations expected to be at 2' above flood stage for the next 24 to 72 hours while the Dam is at a controlled release expected to rise to 80,000 cubic yards per minute.
Hydologic Predictions (see the orange and yellow flags South of Lake Livingston)
The plan is to release water at a controlled rate until lake levels are low enough to repair the weakened area of the dam. This is expected to take 48 hours for drainage and an additional 48 hours to effect repairs.
Lufkin Daily News
Highway 59, the main North/South thoroughfare in and out of Houston, is also shut North of Houston due a damaged bridge over the Trinity River and the possibility that the increased flow could cause bridge failure.