Heavy rains in Texas have led to widespread flooding, with over 400 people rescued from homes, rooftops, and roads engulfed in water. The region from Houston to rural East Texas has been particularly hard hit, with game wardens conducting rescues via airboats. A flood watch remains in effect, with more rainfall predicted, putting 11 million people under flood warnings and watches this weekend.
Officials have warned residents in low-lying areas to evacuate, as more rain is expected in the coming days. In Liberty County near Splendora, 21 inches of rain fell over a five-day period, prompting numerous rescues. Harris County has reported 178 people rescued and 122 pets saved so far, with neighboring counties also facing high numbers of rescues. The National Weather Service predicts heavy rainfall to continue through the weekend.
In the northeast Houston neighborhood of Kingwood, residents like Aron Brown and Miguel Flores Sr. are forced to watch as floodwaters rise, endangering their homes and properties. Roads, restaurants, and gas stations are flooded, with some areas experiencing water levels reaching the tops of power lines. Residents are preparing for the worst, with some evacuating their homes as waters continue to rise.
In rural communities like Shepherd, residents faced mandatory evacuation orders and rising river levels, leading to high-water rescues and dangerous situations. The U.S. Coast Guard evacuated a 12-hour-old baby from Texas amid floodwaters, highlighting the dangers posed by the ongoing flooding. While Houston has not reported any deaths or injuries, concerns persist over the impact of rising waters.
The city of Houston, known for its flood-prone nature, is preparing for more rain and potential flooding, with shelters opening across the region. The city’s system of bayous and reservoirs, initially designed nearly 100 years ago, is struggling to cope with the growth of the city and increasing frequency of severe weather events. Tornadoes in central and west Texas have added to the challenges faced by residents, with more severe weather predicted across the country.
Severe weather warnings are in place across the U.S., from Louisiana to Oregon, with various regions bracing for different forms of extreme weather. Vice President Kamala Harris canceled a planned trip due to high wind warnings, underscoring the widespread impact of the severe weather events. As communities across the country face the devastation caused by heavy rains, flooding, and tornadoes, emergency responders and residents are working together to ensure safety and recovery in the aftermath of the storms.
