Houston Area Faces Catastrophic Flooding as Severe Weather Batters Texas

Severe weather causes catastrophic flooding in Houston, Texas. Stay informed on developments and safety advisories.

The Houston area is bracing for “catastrophic” flooding as severe downpours and extreme weather continue to pummel parts of Texas. Harris County’s Office of Emergency Management has moved to its highest activation level in anticipation of the imminent flooding, with Judge Lina Hidalgo warning residents that heavy rains from northern Polk County will soon reach Harris County.

Widespread Flooding and Evacuations

A flood watch is in effect for southeastern Texas and Louisiana, with numerous flash flood warnings across Texas. In Cleveland, Texas, a 12-hour-old baby was medevaced by the Coast Guard due to low oxygen levels at a hospital without a neonatal intensive care unit, as flooding prevented emergency workers from transporting the baby by ambulance.

Hidalgo noted that 700 homes have already flooded in Polk County and estimated that 100 Harris County homes are at risk. The county has issued a disaster declaration and called for mandatory evacuations for residents living closest to the banks of the East Fork of the San Jacinto River. Those unable to leave may be trapped in their homes for two to three days.

First responders have rescued 26 people and 30 pets since Thursday night. Gov. Greg Abbott has expanded the disaster declaration to 59 counties to ensure affected Texans receive the necessary assistance and support.

River Flooding and Infrastructure Impacts

The East Fork of the San Jacinto River is expected to crest at 78 feet, just 3 feet below the record set during Hurricane Harvey. “Extreme” river flooding is expected to impact central and east Texas river basins through next week, with “historic” releases by lake and reservoir operators exacerbating flooding conditions.

Flooding has caused highway closures in the region, and more than 2,200 Houston-area customers were without power as of Friday afternoon. Over 400 people have been rescued from homes, rooftops, and roads as heavy rainfall swamped a large portion of Southeast Texas for the third consecutive day.

Residents along the San Jacinto River in Harris County and the Trinity River in San Jacinto County have been ordered to evacuate, with shelters opening in nearby towns. Eighteen river gauges are forecast to reach major flood stage in east Texas, and some will likely remain above flood stage into next week.

Severe Weather Impacts Across the Region

The severe weather affecting Texas is part of a larger system that has pounded the Plains and Midwest, with 130 tornadoes either confirmed or sighted from Thursday through the weekend, resulting in at least five deaths.

As the Houston area continues to face the threat of catastrophic flooding, residents are urged to heed evacuation orders and stay informed about the rapidly changing weather conditions. Local officials and emergency responders are working diligently to ensure the safety of those affected by the severe weather.