In the Houston area, heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding, forcing mandatory evacuations and dangerous rescues. According to multiple sources, some areas have already seen 12 inches of rain in recent days. The situation is particularly dire in Kingwood and Atascocita where residents are waiting for the lake to crest as floodwaters rise. One resident, Denise Krenzke, had just sold her Atascocita home when Hurricane Harvey flooding came within inches of flooding it. She and her husband are currently unaffected but worry about those choosing to remain in their homes.
The San Jacinto River is expected to crest on Sunday before rising at least three more feet with more rain expected. Several days of rainfall have caused an overflow of the city's creeks and rivers, including the San Jacinto River, which is predicted to rise at least three more feet before it begins cresting on Sunday. The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office has rescued 126 people and 63 animals while the sheriff's office has pulled nearly 70 people and 45 animals from the floodwaters.
First responders have conducted numerous high-water rescues, including some from rooftops. Harris county judge Lina Hidalgo described the predicted surge of water as 'catastrophic' and several hundred structures are at risk of flooding. Authorities in Houston had not reported any deaths or injuries but warned that the worst was still to come.
The floodwaters have taken homes and businesses in the area, some of which are inaccessible. It could be two to three days for people still stranded to be rescued.
This flooding is the worst the neighborhood has seen since Hurricane Harvey, a disaster that dumped historic rainfall on the area and resulted in more than 60,000 rescues by government personnel across Harris county. The city of Houston is one of the most flood-prone metro areas in the country and has long experienced devastating weather.
The National Weather Service predicts additional rainfall on Saturday night, bringing another 1-3 inches of water to the soaked region and increasing the likelihood of major flooding. The city's system of bayous and reservoirs was built to drain heavy rains but has struggled to keep up with the city's growth and bigger storms.
