Rains flood Texas coast
Crews go door-to-door; creek carries off driver
SAN ANTONIO – Relentless rainfall brought partly from Hurricane Karl caused widespread problems along the Texas coast on Monday, leaving at least one person missing in high floodwaters, schools closed and raw sewage gushing from an overwhelmed city sewer system.
One driver in Corpus Christi dialed 911 while being swept away in a swollen creek, but the call went dead before authorities could located the caller. Near the Texas-Mexico border, emergency crews went door-to-door in some Cameron County neighborhoods flooded with 2 to 3 feet of water, asking families if they wanted help out.
There were no evacuation orders Monday, but officials had helped at least 30 people to safety, Cameron County emergency management coordinator Johnny Cavazos said.
More than 7 inches of rain was reported over a 24-hour period through early Monday in Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley.
Corpus Christi waded through the worst of the downpour. Even more showers were on the way, expected to continue at least through Wednesday and exacerbate flooding that had already triggered a small number of evacuations. Oso Creek was at least 8 feet above flood stage, and forecasters predicted it could reach record-breaking heights.
It was in Oso Creek where the missing driver called for help after the rushing water picked up his small car, Coast Guard Lt. Mary Arvidson said. Local crews continued looking late Monday.