Parts of Texas were hit with heavy rain, leading to flooding and mandatory evacuations. In Harris County, where Houston is located, residents were advised to be prepared for an extended stay due to the severe weather conditions.
On Thursday, Harris County Judge Linda Hidalgo, who serves as the county government’s highest-ranking official, announced a disaster declaration.
Residents living along the East Fork of the San Jacinto River were instructed to evacuate immediately as mandatory evacuations were put in place. It was strongly advised that residents leave before nightfall to ensure their safety.
Hidalgo stated that although it would not be Hurricane Harvey, there would still be significant impacts tonight and throughout the weekend.
According to the official, individuals in the affected region should make arrangements to either remain in their current location for the next 2-3 days or evacuate.
Shelters were opened by the American Red Cross of the Texas Gulf Coast, while the National Weather Service issued a warning to drivers, particularly during nighttime.
The state Transportation Department has announced the closure of a section of U.S. Highway 59 in Polk due to flooding. They have issued a warning to drivers, urging them to prioritize safety and “turn around, don’t drown.”
By 11 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service reported that certain areas in Harris County had already received over 7 inches of rain. In response to this heavy rainfall, a flood watch has been issued for Houston until 7 p.m. on Friday.
The heavy rain subsided by late Thursday afternoon, but the risk of flooding persisted as the water continued to drain at a slow pace, according to the weather service.
Parts of northern Houston, including the Kingwood area, were under a flood warning until 7 a.m. Friday, according to the report.
NBC affiliate KPRC of Houston captured video footage of cars that were abandoned due to flooding, as well as vehicles that became trapped in the high water.
There have been no reported deaths in the area.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated that the water release from Lake Conroe, located north of the city, is reaching levels similar to those observed during Hurricane Harvey, a devastating storm that resulted in catastrophic flooding in 2017.
“We must remain vigilant, fully alert,” emphasized Whitmire.
According to the weather service, more than 9 inches of rain had already fallen in Livingston, located in Polk County, about 60 miles northeast of Houston, by 11 a.m. on Thursday.
Johnathan Brown shared with KPRC that he, along with his pregnant wife and their 5-year-old child, had to evacuate their home on Thursday morning due to the excessive amount of water that had entered. The situation had become so severe that even their refrigerator had started to float.
Brown revealed that once he ensured the safety of everyone and had taken his wife to the hospital, he couldn’t hold back his emotions and ultimately succumbed to his overwhelming feelings.
“We are expecting a baby, and we have unfortunately lost everything,” he expressed to the station.
The heavy rain in Houston has subsided, but according to the weather service, there is still a possibility of more heavy rain overnight or on Friday. Conditions are still favorable for additional rainfall, with an estimated 1 to 2 inches expected, and isolated areas could see up to 4 inches of rain.
According to the weather service, any additional rainfall has the potential to either hinder the water’s retreat or worsen the already existing flooding situation.
