As the waters rise in Polk County, Texas, residents face a deluge from more than just the sky—the threat of ongoing flooding has prompted a voluntary evacuation order, issued by Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy for those in low-lying areas along the Trinity River and below Lake Livingston Dam. In response to the inundation wreaking havoc across county roadways, a local declaration of disaster has been declared, reported FOX 26 Houston.

As waters gushed through the streets following torrential rains Doris a dire scene unfolded, responders leaped into action working night and day for the safety of stranded citizens, an effort that has seen the opening of a temporary shelter at Dunbar Gym in Livingston. Motorists are urged to proceed with caution as the roads could be traps in disguise—TxDOT Lufkin shared an image of the submerged US-59, a major thoroughfare whose main lanes were shuttered from US 190 to Baskin Loop, according to FOX 26 Houston.

The flooding's grip tightened, leaving residents and technology alike floundering; the Polk County Sheriff's office and the county's emergency operations center were severed from phone and main internet service due to disruptions with Livingston Highline communications, though emergency 911 service has been restored, non-emergency lines remain in disarray, a situation so pressing the public is advised to rely on mobile phones for non-emergency communication, detailed FOX 26 Houston.

Adjacent Tyler County has not been spared; there the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens have engaged in valiant rescue operations, saving individuals from vehicles, homes, and even a church in the Warren area, and notably children from a flooded trailer park off Farm to Market road 350, they have been plucked from the perilous waters that were swiftly transforming into a liquid menace, as reported by KTRE.

The recovery is ongoing, while one northbound lane on US Highway 59 has been reopened the rest remain flooded.