Leander woman shows the tree she climbed to survive floods during the early morning hours of July 5, 202
Share this @internewscast.com

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) A Texas woman says she and her family, after being swept away by floodwaters early Saturday morning, managed to survive by climbing a tree.

Melissa Higginbotham lives in Leander, just down the street from the Travis County Emergency Services District 1 station and the Round Mountain Baptist Church. She explained that, around midnight, she noticed there was water in her front yard.

“About 2, my dad came banging on the door, ‘We got to go,'” she recounted to Nexstar’s KXAN on Sunday.

Higginbotham and her daughter, plus their family pug, loaded into a car and tried to get to higher ground; but it was too late, the water had risen too quickly. They then piled into her dad’s truck in an attempt to escape.

“My car floated off, we still haven’t found it. And then we watched our neighbors in their double-wide float past us with their whole family in the house. They fortunately hit some trees back here and stopped and made it,” Higginbotham said.

The truck that Higginbotham and her family were in began floating as well.

They hit a tree, crawled out the window of the truck, and climbed up the tree. Higginbotham, her dad and her daughter stayed there for roughly two hours until the water receded some and emergency crews came.

Leander woman shows the tree she climbed to survive floods during the early morning hours of July 5, 202
Melissa Higginbotham of Leander, Texas, shows the tree she climbed to survive floods during the early morning hours of July 5, 2025. (KXAN photo/Grace Reader)

“God was with us and God made sure we were okay,” said Higginbotham.

Those living around her, many of whom are family, were helping to pick up the pieces on Sunday.

“It’s Leander at it’s best, no two ways about it. Community supporting community,” she said.

Baptist church opens its doors

Just a few roads down, the Round Mountain Baptist Church has opened its doors to help pass out water, food, and most importantly, help people get information. At the front door is a list of people who may be missing.

“While it’s been devastating, it’s also been awe-inspiring to see the community just band together and work together to provide space for people to come,” said Katherine Waggoner, who works at the church.

Waggoner said the greatest need she’s seeing right now is for information, help finding people’s loved ones who have not yet been seen since the floods washed through this weekend.

“People just want to know what’s going on, they want to know where their loved ones are,” she said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Remains of All 7 Missing Individuals Located at California Fireworks Warehouse Explosion Site

Related video: Explosion captured on video at California fireworks facility ESPARTO, Calif.…

Tropical Storm Chantal Gains Strength Approaching South Carolina Landfall

MIAMI – Tropical Storm Chantal intensified as it neared the southeastern coast…

Could You Be Vulnerable to a Social Engineering Attack?

(NEXSTAR) – The Federal Bureau of Investigations issued a warning on Friday…

Kristi Noem Discusses Texas Storm Warning Alerts and Related Concerns

Flooding has led to an annual average of over 125 fatalities in…

Expectant Sea Turtle Enjoys a Swim in Jupiter Island Pool

JUPITER ISLAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A large sea turtle got a little…

Sheldon Resident Detained for Possession of Over 1,000 LSD Doses and Four Additional Drugs in Livingston County

A man from Sheldon was apprehended in Chatsworth by Livingston County officials…

Tragedy in Flagler County: Woman fatally injured after falling from moving SUV, authorities report

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A tragedy unfolded in Palm Coast when a…

US Tariffs on European Goods Could Disrupt Major Global Trade Partnership

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) America’s largest trade partner, the European Union, is among…

Texas Officials Under Fire for Handling of Massive and Fatal Floods

KERRVILLE, Texas – On the eve of the Fourth of July holiday,…

Mass Chorus Gathering Celebrates Estonia’s Rich Cultural Heritage

TALLINN – Over 21,000 choir singers filled the rainy air with their…

Decatur Fire Department Puts Out Several Fires on Independence Day

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Decatur Fire Department responded to multiple fires…

Kerrville Local Shares Story of Escaping Home Engulfed by Floodwaters

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…