Heavy rainfall overnight averaged 5-6 inches in six hours from north central Harris County to north Fort Bend County. Storms have finally moved out of the Houston/Harris County region allowing for a break in excessive rainfall that has resulted in flash flooding across the west and north parts of Harris County.
Heavy rainfall overnight averaged 5-6 inches in six hours from north central Harris County to north Fort Bend County. Storms have finally moved out of the Houston/Harris County region allowing for a break in excessive rainfall that has resulted in flash flooding across the west and north parts of Harris County.
Halls Bayou (a tributary of Greens Bayou) near I-45/Mount Houston has exceeded its banks and widespread major flooding is in progress. Homes and businesses are flooding in the reach from west of I-45 to near Airline Drive. Avoid this area for the next several hours.
White Oak Bayou has crested and is falling on the north side of downtown Houston, but flooding of White Oak Drive at Houston Avenue is in progress. Although water levels are falling, flooding will continue on the north side of the bayou for the next few hours. Elsewhere water levels are falling and widespread street flooding is improving.
Rainfall should be fairly light for the next several hours and any re-development this afternoon should remain scattered. Run-off will drain over the next several hours provided no additional rainfall.
The following is a brief overview of bayous and creeks the Flood Operations team is watching closely (as of 10 am):
Out of banks and falling:
- South Mayde Creek at Greenhouse Road
- Halls Bayou at Airline Road
- Greens Bayou at US 59
Near bankfull:
- San Jacinto at US 59 near bank full and rising.
- Buffalo Bayou at Milam Street crested and falling.
- Cypress Creek crested and falling.
- White Oak Bayou at Heights Boulevard falling.
All other Harris County bayous and creeks are high and carrying storm water run-off, but remain within banks. Affected Harris County residents are urged to report house flooding by completing a Flood Survey as soon as possible at the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s website at www.surveymonkey.com/r/HomeFlooding. The Harris County Flood Control District has also set up a phone bank to take flooding reports at 713-684-4000.
A National Weather Service Areal Flood Warning remains in effect for Harris County until 10:15 am. With heavy rainfall comes the threat of flooding, so it is important for Harris County residents to be aware of conditions near their workplaces, schools and homes. The Flood Control District urges all residents to monitor rainfall and bayou water levels on its mobile-friendly Harris County Flood Warning System website at www.harriscountyfws.org. The District’s Flood Operations team constantly monitors the data and works during severe weather events to advise the public and local officials of areas that are and could be affected by flooding. Be sure to also follow us on Twitter @HCFCD for live updates.
REMINDER: Do not drive or walk into high-water areas. If faced with flooding, STAY PUT wherever you are, unless your life is threatened or you are ordered to evacuate.
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has disaster preparedness resources and the latest information about conditions in Harris County at www.readyharris.org.
Additional flood preparedness tips:
- Avoid driving, if possible. If you must venture out, avoid driving into water of unknown depth. Moving water can quickly sweep you and your vehicle away.
- Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
- Remain in your home during the storm unless instructed to evacuate by local officials.
- Have a flood insurance policy. For information on flood insurance, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website at fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program or call 1-800-621-3362.
- Know your home’s risk of flooding. You can view a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM or floodplain map) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov), or refer to the Flood Control District website at www.harriscountyFEMT.org.
About the Harris County Flood Control District
The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure.