Shelter-in-Place Order Issued as Nueces River Floods Near Cotulla, Texas

COTULLA, Texas – A shelter-in-place order has been activated for a campground west of Cotulla near KOA Lake due to rising water levels in the Nueces River, which reached 24 feet on Tuesday morning, according to La Salle County Fire Rescue. Residents in the area are urged to remain vigilant as significant flooding is anticipated following nearly 480 billion gallons of rain that fell in the Hill Country last week.

Approximately 350 first responders were deployed to La Salle County on Monday in preparation for the flooding. Although the immediate forecast for Cotulla is clear, the river continues to flow at major levels downstream, leading to road closures and prompting residents to prepare for potential evacuations.

As of Monday night, La Salle County has issued a “yellow alert,” advising residents to prepare emergency bags and be ready to evacuate if necessary. The American Red Cross has established a shelter for displaced residents, with a separate pet shelter available at the county fairgrounds. Officials are advising extreme caution for anyone near the river as conditions remain hazardous.