Trinity River flooding shuts down part of Highway 31 between Malakoff and Trinidad

The westbound lane of Highway 31 between Malakoff and Trinidad was completely underwater in spots Wednesday morning.
The westbound lane of Highway 31 between Malakoff and Trinidad was completely underwater in spots Wednesday morning.

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

Flooding along the Trinity River in Trinidad forced TxDOT to shut down the westbound lane of State Highway 31 between Malakoff and Trinidad Wednesday morning. The road was completely covered by water in some spots.

Around 11:15 a.m., the National Weather Service announced that the river appeared to have crested at 48.5 feet. According to the NWS, it is the third highest level on record.

Pct. 2 Commissioner Wade McKinney said county officials were monitoring areas along the river “where life and property might be at risk.”

“All along the Trinity River there are locations where individuals can become stranded in their homes,” he said. “Law enforcement and volunteer fire departments are aware of those locations and are coordinating to respond as the need arises.”

“It has been a few years since we have had situations like this occur due to the drought conditions. But we know the locations and many of the individuals who live in those locations,” McKinney added.