Staff report
Due to the risk of additional flash flooding along with the dangers posed by existing conditions following this weekend's flood event, officials from Hays County, San Marcos and Wimberley will institute a public safety curfew starting at 9 p.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Monday, May 25.
According to a Hays County press release, the curfew will extend to San Marcos and Wimberley and will include both cities’ extra territorial jurisdictions (ETJ). In addition, all unincorporated areas of Hays County south of FM 150 will also be subject to the curfew.
Traffic along IH-35 will not be subject to the curfew, but closures of the highway may continue over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Hays County officials ask residents to restrict all unnecessary movement. Citizens are encouraged to find a safe location and remain there. The county stresses awareness of debris in the roadway if residents must travel.
Numerous downed power lines, washed out roadways and barriers could make travel "very risky."
"Officers will be monitoring the areas overnight but many areas may not get covered at all times and we want to ensure the safety of our citizens," Hays County Sheriff's Office Lt. Jeri Skrocki said in the release.
Earlier in the day, Hays County officials said there were at least 1,000 residents in local shelters and up to 400 homes damaged due to Sunday’s historic flooding of the Blanco River, which crested above 40 feet in the early morning hours.
There is no word on injuries or fatalities at this time.
In addition, Hays County has also instituted a boil water notice for residents on well water. It does not extend to residents that receive municipal water, which includes Kyle and Buda.
Citizens on well water are asked to boil water to at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of one minute to decontaminate the water.
