Heavy rainfall swept across Liberty County on Tuesday, July 14, flooding roadways throughout the area and creating hazardous driving conditions. Among the hardest-hit areas was Cleveland, where high water forced a temporary closure of U.S. 59 and prompted the rescue of a stranded motorist.
According to Liberty County Office of Emergency Management Director Antwyne “A.J.” Johnson, floodwater caused the partial closure of U.S. 59, both northbound and southbound, at the FM 2025 (Coldspring Road) overpass.
As of 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, traffic had resumed in one lane in each direction as crews monitored conditions.
Johnson said several county-maintained roads were also impacted by the heavy rainfall, including numerous roadways in the Colony Ridge communities.
In one of the more dramatic incidents Tuesday morning, first responders in Cleveland rescued a driver whose vehicle became trapped in a flooded ditch near the Tractor Supply parking lot on SH 321 (Houston Street).
According to Cleveland Police Chief Darrel Broussard, the water in the ditch had risen to the roof of the vehicle by the time first responders arrived. The driver was safely rescued and was not injured.
Although conditions began improving after the rain stopped, Broussard urged motorists to continue exercising caution.
“We’re seeing the water drain off pretty quickly,” he said. “But remember: Turn around, don’t drown.”
Officials are encouraging residents to avoid unnecessary travel until floodwaters have receded. Drivers who must be on the road should never attempt to cross water-covered roadways, as it is impossible to determine the depth of the water or whether the pavement beneath has been compromised.
Motorists can monitor current road conditions and closures by visiting DriveTexas.org, which provides real-time updates from the Texas Department of Transportation.