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Updated 09/08/2010 02:53 PM

Central Texas on alert as flood waters claim 1 life

By: News 8 Austin Staff

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News 8 Austin's Karina Kling filed the following report.

Closings and delays

• MetroRail: Service canceled
• Georgetown ISD: Closed
• Navarro ISD: Closed
• Round Rock: Chisholm Trail Middle School closed; all other schools open
Austin road closures
Travis County road closures
Hays County road closures
Comal County road closures
McClennan County road closures

Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service reported at least one death in Killeen due to flooding. According to reports, 19-year-old Rashima Shaquel Copeland died after her vehicle was submerged by water coming from Reese Creek.

Authorities say they are also searching for possible victims after two mobile homes and a house in were swept away in Williamson County.

Sheriff's Sgt. John Foster said officials were trying to account for an unknown number of residents after the overflowing San Gabriel River tore through a rural area north of Austin.

Foster said there were no reports of deaths or injuries, but authorities "were kind of preparing for the worst." Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens were assisting in the search.

There are many reports of flooded roads, debris and damaged roadways across Central Texas. City officials advise drivers to assess road conditions carefully before driving.

News 8's Chie Saito sent in the following video from the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, where the parking garage completely flooded. (Article continues below video)

In Salado, all low water crossings are closed along with many roads. Debris is reported along bridges. Rising water got into at least one house on College Street and Royal Street.

Police in Marble Falls set up barricades in several areas prone to flooding. Authorities said they are following the city's emergency plan. If conditions warrant, they'll open an emergency operation center.

In eastern Travis County, crews rescued a family from a flooded house.

The Lower Colorado River Authority has opened five flood gates at Tom Miller Dam, at the foot of Lake Austin. That dam releases water into Lady Bird Lake. The opening of the gates indicates the water levels of Lady Bird Lake are rising.

The remnants of Hermine dumped several inches of rain across central and north Texas overnight, snarling the morning commute in the Dallas area. Flood warnings were posted throughout both regions.

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Maureen McCann reports from Lamar Boulevard in Austin.