The Harris County Flood Control District's Flood Watch team is actively monitoring rainfall trends, as well as measured rainfall amounts and water levels in bayous and creeks. Over the past 12 hours, widespread rainfall across most of Harris County has totaled 3-6 inches in the Brays Bayou watershed, 2.5-6 inches in the Buffalo Bayou watershed; 2-5.5 inches in the Greens Bayou watershed; and 2-6 inches in the White Oak Bayou watershed. Significant flooding has occurred along US 59 from Fort Bend County to the northeast side of downtown Houston, with widespread flooding of roads and underpasses.
The Harris County Flood Control District's Flood Watch team is actively monitoring rainfall trends, as well as measured rainfall amounts and water levels in bayous and creeks. Over the past 12 hours, widespread rainfall across most of Harris County has totaled 3-6 inches in the Brays Bayou watershed, 2.5-6 inches in the Buffalo Bayou watershed; 2-5.5 inches in the Greens Bayou watershed; and 2-6 inches in the White Oak Bayou watershed. Significant flooding has occurred along US 59 from Fort Bend County to the northeast side of downtown Houston, with widespread flooding of roads and underpasses.
- Brays Bayou has crested and is falling at all locations.
- Keegans Bayou water levels are falling at all locations; the channel is expected back within banks soon at Roark Road.
- Hunting Bayou continues to rise, nearing top of bank at Lockwood Drive, with street flooding ongoing.
- Upper Spring Creek is overbanks at Hegar Road and rising slowly.
- Upper Cypress Creek is within banks, but rising; no flooding expected.
- Greens Bayou has crested at US 59, will continue to rise downstream, but no flooding expected.
- Far southeast Harris County saw relatively little rain.
Rainfall is shifting eastward out of Harris County, but additional heavy rains possible around midday into the afternoon hours.
A National Weather Service Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 10:15 a.m. for Harris, Fort Bend and Wharton County.
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 Harris County Regional Flood Warning System website at www.harriscountyfws.org, which includes a mobile application. The District’s Flood Watch 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.
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.
Be sure to check out our Flooding Facts and Preparedness section on our website with helpful, printable resources, including a guide on how to create and implement a FAMILY FLOOD PREPAREDNESS PLAN. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management also has disaster preparedness resources at www.readyharris.org.
Additional flood preparedness tips:
- Secure valuables and important documents.
- 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 National Flood Insurance Program website at http://www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.
- 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 (http://www.msc.fema.gov), or refer to the Flood Control District website at http://www.hcfcd.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.