Water rises at Round Rock crossings

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) - As water rushed down the steep hill off FM 620 in Round Rock , Carly Moore sat in her car contemplating her route.

"It’s horrible really," said Moore. “Everybody's outside, running around, and, it's just been pretty bad today."

Tuesday’s rainy weather had drivers seeking the shortest stretch across the city. For many, including Moore, that would have been Chisholm Trail Road , but most knew to stay away as the water began to rise.

"It's just like, crazy people, driving around, cutting everybody off,” said Moore. “It's just insane."

As Brushy Creek rose closer to the top of the low water crossing, the city was prepared to close the flood gates to vehicles.

More than a century ago, cattle drivers had a similar system to avoid rushing water along this stretch of the Chisholm Trail. A lead steer wore a bell, letting the men know where the front of the line was and whether low water crossings were too deep or too fast.

As rain runoff made its way downhill and the downpour did not let up, nearby businesses went to their own warnings.

"With us having patients, it does effect that,” said local dentist Dr. Stephen Becker. “We do have to call patients, saying, 'Chisholm Trail's closed down.'"

A convenient crossing that has been risky in the rain for years. Drivers said the same rules still apply.

"Just pay attention to people around you,” said Robin Green. “That's the biggest thing."

Round Rock has 16 other low water crossings, and, by Tuesday night, the city had not closed any of them.