HOUSTON, TX - April, 30 2024 - The Harris County Flood Control District is monitoring the potential for impending and ongoing major flooding along the East Fork of the San Jacinto River in southeast Montgomery and northeast Harris Counties.
Significant water level rises were observed earlier today at Cleveland, with a surge of water rapidly moving downstream this afternoon into the Plum Grove area of southeast Montgomery County and the FM 1485 area of northeast Harris County. The river is projected to rise an additional 10 to 15 feet from its current level by tonight (April 30) at FM 1485 and FM 2090, resulting in widespread and significant inundation by Wednesday morning.
Residents should remain alert to rising water and changing river conditions.
Impact Overview:
Widespread Flooding:
• Widespread lowland flooding is expected along the river, affecting numerous streets across Harris County; roads south of FM 1485 including: Spalding, Green, Jett, Casey
• FM 1485 will be submerged under several feet of water, rendering it impassable.
Idle Glen Subdivision:
• Homes are mostly elevated but will be inaccessible; ground-level homes are at risk of flooding. Streets affected include Brookside, Chinquapin, River Side, E. San Jacinto, Glenwood, Dipping, Idlewild, and Lazy Creek.
Northwood Country Estates:
• Street flooding is anticipated, potentially isolating elevated homes. Affected streets include Disher, Bounds, Thomas, and Davidson.
River Terrace:
• Likely flooding on River Terrace, Elm, Pine, Cherry Laurel, Holly, and Cypress streets. Elevated homes could be isolated.
Cypress Point:
• Streets close to the river will flood, particularly Blue Lake, Oak Knoll, Wild Oak, and Birchwood. Elevated homes in these areas will also be isolated.
Kingwood Area:
• Flooding is expected in the low-lying areas backing up to the East Fork of the San Jacinto River. This primarily affects non-developed lands and backyards with bulkheads along the river. Structural flooding is not anticipated.
Structural Flooding:
• While many structures have been elevated to mitigate flooding risks, isolated homes that remain at ground level are vulnerable to flooding. Flooding similar to that seen during Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019 is expected in these areas.
The Flood Control District's Flood Watch team will continue to monitor the gages and water levels in the San Jacinto area. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed about conditions near their workplaces, schools, and homes. To stay updated, the Flood Control District encourages residents to monitor rainfall and bayou water levels through its Harris County Regional Flood Warning System website (available in both desktop and mobile versions) at www.harriscountyfws.org.
Residents can also create an account and sign up for rainfall and water level alerts at www.fwsalerts.org. FWS Alerts provides residents with the option to customize their alerts from specific sensors and receive them via text, email, or both.
In preparation for heavy rainfall and potential flooding, the Flood Control District offers the following guidance:
• Stay Informed: Sign up for rainfall and water level alerts at fwsalerts.org to receive timely notifications tailored to your preferences.
• Storm Readiness: Explore hcfcd.org/stormready for comprehensive information and resources on storm preparedness.
• Proper Waste Management: Avoid disposing of debris in bayous, streams, and ditches. Dispose of debris in designated trash bins and store them indoors in garages or backyards, away from drainage areas.
• Flood Insurance: Ensure you have adequate flood insurance coverage. Contact your insurance agent for details on purchasing flood insurance or visit the National Flood Insurance Program website. Keep in mind that new insurance policies typically take 30 days to become effective.
ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with the 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. For more information about the Flood Control District, visit HCFCD.ORG or follow us @HCFCD on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest #HCFCDnews.