LAGO VISTA, Texas — Some people living in low-lying areas along Lago Vista at Lake Travis are packing up and getting out before it's too late.
Lake Travis rose more than three feet in 24 hours, and it's up 35 feet since Monday, Oct. 15.
The rising waters have already flooded parts of Lago Vista, including some backyards and the park on Bar K Ranch Road south of FM 1431.
"This is the highest I've ever seen it," homeowner Cheryl Smith told KVUE.
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The floodwaters were just a few inches away from entering the back of her home Thursday evening.
To save her belongings, she emptied her garage and put everything on the top shelves as far from the ground as possible.
"It's crazy. But when you live in the flood zone, it's just a matter of when. It's not a matter of if you're going to flood. We're somewhat prepared," Smith said.
Smith said the first floor of her home is designed to withstand a flood -- up to a certain height.
"I'm more prepared for 705, but if it gets to 710, it's going to be a lot of work," she said.
Next door, neighbors helped each other place sandbags around their homes to keep the rising water out.
"It does make you feel good inside to find people to help," said Lago Vista resident Jeremy Withrow. "As a community, we should come together help each other. If we don't do so, then we're no better than common criminals."
Until the water recedes, Smith is staying with friends. But it won't be over then.
"All the debris gets washed up along the bank wherever it ends up, so when it goes out, you'll see a bunch of trash and cans and cups and all sorts of things that come up from the lake," Smith said.
You can expect to find her neighbors lending a helping hand again.
"Lago always comes together," Withrow said. "We always help each other."
Casa Mexico on Lohman Ford Road will be collecting cleaning supplies and water on Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.