Heavy storms caused dangerous flooding in the Houston area, leading to high-water rescues, including from rooftops of flooded homes. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo warned that the threat was ongoing and expected to worsen as heavy rains continued to fall. Schools closed, roads jammed, and authorities warned residents in low-lying areas to evacuate. Homes and cars were partially submerged by floodwaters, prompting multiple rescues in various counties across southeastern Texas.
For weeks, Texas and parts of Louisiana have been experiencing drenching rains, filling reservoirs and saturating the ground. A flood warning is in place for the region until Tuesday, with some areas receiving over 11 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. Many residents were forced to evacuate amid rising waters, with some facing challenges due to additional water released from dams. Residents near the San Jacinto River were ordered to evacuate, with some requiring assistance from rooftops.
In some counties, including Montgomery and Polk County, hundreds of water rescues were reported, with several homes and vehicles inundated. Officials expressed concerns about the rising waters and urged residents to evacuate or prepare to stay in place for several days. Shelters were opened across the region, with schools and other buildings serving as temporary refuge for those displaced by the floods. Emergency responders used boats to evacuate people and pets from flooded neighborhoods in Conroe and Livingston.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated that the city had not been heavily impacted by the storms, except for the area of Kingwood, where significant rainfall led to rising floodwaters. The city has a long history of dealing with devastating weather events, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Officials are closely monitoring the water levels and preparing for potential impacts in the coming days. Over 2 feet of rain has fallen in some areas over the past month, leading to widespread flooding and multiple rescues across the region.
The region’s system of bayous and reservoirs, designed nearly a century ago to drain heavy rains, has struggled to keep up with the city’s growth and increasing storm intensity. The expansive area, covering about 10,000 square miles, faces challenges in managing water flow during periods of heavy rainfall. With ongoing rains and continued flooding, officials urged residents to heed evacuation orders and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The American Red Cross and other organizations have opened multiple shelters to assist those affected by the floods. Despite the challenges posed by the severe weather, authorities are working diligently to respond to the crisis and ensure the safety of residents in the impacted areas.
