ROCKPORT, Texas — Storm surge from Tropical Storm Beta was responsible for flooding in parts of Rockport on Monday, as the storm made its way toward land.
As of Monday evening, the worst flooding was on Austin Street, about a block away from Rockport’s Heritage District. Much of Austin Street, in the area south of Market Street, was underwater Monday morning.
“This storm surge is a little bit higher than what we saw at Hanna, so we’re getting out,” said Clayton Saunders.
Saunders was heading for drier land, but for many of his neighbors, it was too late to leave.
“There’s already some people in there that, especially minivans -- small cars and minivans can’t get out,” Saunders said.
Nearby, most of Rockport’s downtown Heritage District was still dry, but businesses were preparing for the worst.
“We’re prepared, we’re not very worried,” said Oh My! Rockport Manager Jackson Mayes, whos business is in the Heritage District. “The water is pretty high right now, but we’ve got the ability to mobilize and get things stacked up off the ground if the water gets too high.”
For some, the rising water Monday was unlike anything they’d seen.
“This is the first time we’ve ever encountered anything like this, high water,” said Henry Lopez. “It took us by surprise.”
Lopez and his family were visiting from San Antonio, but high waters washed their vacation out.
“We thought the bay would be up high, but we didn’t realize. . . . seeing so much water so high, it’s pretty surprising,” he said.
More storm surge is expected as Beta makes its way closer to land, so residents and business owners said they will be keeping a watchful eye.
