Flooding reported in parts of Nacogdoches County

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - The locally famous establishment Banita Creek Hall was forced to close its doors to the public due to recent flash flooding that occurred in the early hours of Thursday in Nacogdoches.

UPDATE 5/11/2023: At 4:48 p.m. the City of Nacogdoches put out press release stating the water levels at both Banita and Lanana Creeks have stopped rising and are in the process of receding. The creek water levels will return to normal over the next few days barring additional storms. Cleanup and repair efforts are already underway citywide and will continue over the next several weeks.

With the potential for additional rainfall in the coming days, the City of Nacogdoches urged all citizens to be prepared for additional flooding and accompanying issues. Due to the higher than normal water level in Lanana and Banita Creeks as well as existing soil saturation, the area remains under heavy risk of flooding if additional rain should fall.

Several parks and trail systems in the city are reported to have sustained damage. Playgrounds and pavilions at Pecan, Festival and Banita Creek parks will be closed until they can be fully inspected and determined to be safe. Banita Creek and Lanana Creek Trails are also closed until further notice.

Clint Dempsey and Coy Simms Softball Complexes are reported to still be underwater. According to the press release, as long as the water levels continue to drop, city crews should be able to evaluate them on Friday, but expect them to be closed for at least a week.

The press release also states that all major roadways in Nacogdoches have been reopened for public use.

According to the press release city first responders carried out and assisted with 56 rescues (42 adults, four children, 10 pets).

Nacogdoches Railroad Depot Museum on Old Tyler Road sustained flood damage and will be closed through this weekend.

UPDATE 5/11/2023 : At 3:08 p.m. County Judge Greg Sowell issued a disaster declaration of Nacogdoches County and has requested a state of emergency from Gov. Greg Abbott.

The request cites extensive damage to public and private property as well risks to the health and safety of Nacogdoches County citizens.

If the state of emergency is issued resources could be dispatched to Nacogdoches County to help with the situation.

Nacogdoches Mayor Jimmy Mize has issued a similar disaster declaration for the city of Nacogdoches at 4:13 p.m.

According to their official Facebook page, the popular business has had to close down for “the foreseeable future” after it fell victim flash flooding early Thursday morning.

Nacogdoches is just one of the cities in East Texas that has been hit the hardest with overnight rainfall.

Several parks have been closed due to flooding and damage, including Banita Creek Park.

High water has been reported on Hwy 59 near Angelina River Bridge and S. Loop 224, Hwy 7 between CR 724 and CR 723., Pecan St. south of Main St., Main St. near Pecan St. and FM 2864 near Hwy 59 in Appleby.

An update around 11 a.m. on Thursday showed the creek water had risen even higher, now threatening to cover the bridge.

As of 8:30 a.m., the following roads in the city of Nacogdoches are closed:

MLK between S University and Fredonia, South Pecan, Pearl Street from Main to Starr, South Pillar road damage (report of road caved in), high water reported on North University at Maroney.

Starr Avenue near the SFA Intramural Fields is closed off.

South Church Street

Press Road

The following county roads in Nacogdoches County have been closed:

106

112

116

120

122

123

124

134

182

228

228

229

230

256

263

273

280

302

Garrison ISD has announced a delayed start to school due to overnight rain.

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