Cedar Park, Leander Rescue Teams Help Save Female Victims From High Water

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX -- Two female victims were rescued from high water in the South San Gabriel River on Thursday, Williamson County officials said.

The high water rescue occurred at about 4:15 p.m. near the Highway 183 bridge over the river. Leander, Cedar Park and Liberty Hill fire departments responded with swift water rescue teams, along with Williamson County EMS and the Williamson County Technical Rescue group.

The two females, and adult and a youth, were fond about a half-mile downstream from the location and rescued by boat, officials said. No injuries were reported.

After the rescue, emergency officials took the opportunity to remind people not to walk, swim or play in flooded creeks, streams, rivers or flood waters.

"You may not be able to determine if there are holes or submerged debris, or how quickly the water is flowing, and you may be swept away," Williamson County officials said. "If water is moving swiftly, as little as 6 inches of water can knock you off of your feet."

Officials also urged motorists not to drive through flooded areas.

"Just 18 inches of water or less can carry away most vehicles, including trucks," officials wrote.

They cited a continually updated website, www.atxfloods.com, as a good source to consult for a list of closed roadways that should be avoided.

The National Weather Services has issued a flood warning for the South Fork San Gabriel River scheduled through Friday morning.