Producers, residents thankful when storms were over

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

The sun was shining about 30 minutes after a storm blew through La Grange on Nov. 23, but the swollen Colorado River was evidence to the heavy downpour, and the previous day's rainfall. Extension agents caution livestock owners to check fences and livestock for any signs of health problems. -- Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

Dec. 2, 2004 - By the time Thanksgiving rolled around, last week, people all over Texas were giving thanks that the heavy rains, tornados and severe storms had come to an end. Many Texans, throughout the state, were displaced from their homes and properties by record amounts of rain, especially, in South Central Texas.

The rains, which in some areas were recorded to be as much as 15 inches, also caused some damage to the region's crops, fences, and other structures.

In Bastrop County, Extension Agent Maron Finley noted a loss of pecan crops from the storms.

In adjacent Lee County, the six to nine inches of rain may have affected the winter crops. Lee County Extension Agent Billy Gillum said he was hoping the winter crops already planted will dry out quickly enough to be saved.

The small, winter crops such as oats and small grains suffered in Caldwell County under the 10 to 12 inches of rain, according to Rachel Bauer, Extension agent. Because the grains were under water, Bauer said "if it should frost while it is so wet, the crops could be lost in the area."

Flooding occurred all along the Colorado River, east of Austin. As the Colorado flowed out of its banks, citizens in Bastrop and Smithville in Bastrop County were forced from their homes, along with some residents in Fayette County.

The flooded areas also destroyed or damaged some fences, and producers should check their boundaries where livestock are pastured.

Gillum said there had been some loss of fencing and livestock reported in his county.

Finley and Bauer also pointed out livestock owners should be aware of any health problems that may develop because of the high water in pastures. Bauer specifically pointed out there could be a danger of hoof rot if the livestock already had foot injuries.

According to the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and the National Weather Service, the Colorado at Bastrop was 4.85 feet above flood level on Wednesday morning, Nov. 24, with the river at Columbus being 8.8 feet above. In La Grange, the Colorado was 12.91 feet above flood level, with the waters flowing rapidly under the major bridge on Business Highway 71 which runs through the western side of the city. The water was up into the trees which usually line the sides of the river bank, with many streets and lower areas closed to traffic.

According to Bob Rose, meteorologist with the LCRA, "Our ground, right now, just can't take any more water. We need some time to dry out."