Year’s first big rain

Rockdale got 3-3/4 inches of rain Jan. 6, according to the gauge at the city wastewater treatment plant. The public works department responded by checking low-lying areas and blocking off streets that were temporarily impassable, said Jerald Brunson, the city’s public works director. City crews spent more than two hours monitoring the low-lying areas around town and putting out and removing barricades as needed. The photos were taken Wednesday afternoon on Burleson near Ham Branch and Belton with the gate closed. Reporter photos/David Money