In parts of Texas, mandatory evacuations were ordered due to heavy rain causing flooding, particularly in Harris County, home to Houston. Harris County Judge Linda Hidalgo issued a disaster declaration and urged residents along the East Fork of the San Jacinto River to leave before nightfall. The American Red Cross opened shelters and the National Weather Service advised drivers to be cautious, especially at night. The Texas Department of Transportation closed a section of U.S. 59 due to flooding. More than 7 inches of rain fell in parts of Harris County by Thursday morning, with a flood watch in effect until Friday evening.
Despite heavy rain ending by late Thursday afternoon, the flood risk remains as water continues to slowly drain. Parts of northern Houston, including the Kingwood area, were under a flood warning until Friday morning. The release of water from Lake Conroe, at levels seen during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, has put Houston on high alert. In Livingston, Polk County, about 60 miles northeast of Houston, more than 9 inches of rain had fallen by Thursday morning, leading to homes being evacuated. Although no deaths have been reported in the area, many residents have faced significant challenges due to the flooding.
Video from NBC affiliate KPRC of Houston showed abandoned cars and vehicles stuck in high water, highlighting the dangerous conditions caused by the flooding. One resident, Johnathan Brown, had to evacuate his home with his pregnant wife and 5-year-old child after their refrigerator began to float. He expressed devastation at losing everything and the anxiety of preparing for a new baby amidst the chaos. While heavy rain in Houston has subsided, the weather service warned of the potential for more heavy rain overnight or on Friday, with up to 4 inches of isolated amounts being a possibility.
Harris County officials emphasized the need for residents to either prepare to stay put for the next 2-3 days or evacuate the impacted area. Judge Hidalgo acknowledged that while the situation may not be as severe as Hurricane Harvey, significant impacts were still expected. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for various parts of Houston, indicating the ongoing risk of flooding. Houston Mayor John Whitmire urged residents to remain vigilant due to the increased water release levels from Lake Conroe. Despite the challenges faced by residents, emergency services have been actively responding to the flooding, with no deaths reported in the area so far.
The flooding in Texas has led to widespread disruption, with road closures and abandoned vehicles becoming common sights. The emergency services have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents and provide support to those affected by the flooding. The uncertainty of the situation, with the potential for more heavy rain, has added to the anxiety of residents already grappling with the aftermath of the flooding. With the ongoing flood watch and warnings in place, residents are urged to stay informed, prepare for potential evacuations, and be cautious while navigating the impacted areas.
