The Houston area is facing “life-threatening” flooding, officials have warned, as severe weather hits parts of Texas.
A flood watch is in effect Thursday in southeast Texas and Louisiana. Numerous flash flood warnings are also in effect, as up to 8 inches of rain already fell Thursday in parts of southeast Texas. Additional rain events are expected to continue through Friday in these areas.
In this screenshot from a video posted to social media, cars drive through floodwaters in the Houston, Texas area on May 2, 2024.
@StormChasterHTX
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for dozens of Texas counties Thursday as severe weather and flooding threaten the state. The declaration “will ensure Texans and their communities receive the assistance and support they need to stay safe,” he said in a statement.
Harris County officials also issued a disaster declaration Thursday and called for the mandatory evacuation of residents living closest to the banks of the East Fork of the San Jacinto River due to ongoing flooding and heavy rains in north of the region.
“We want you to get out of this area,” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said during a press briefing Thursday. “This is a life-threatening situation.”
The river is expected to reach 77 feet above sea level by Friday, three feet below what it was during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Hidalgo said. Typically, the river is between 45 and 50 feet above sea level, she said.
Those who cannot leave will likely be stuck at home for two to three days, she warned.
In this screenshot from a video posted to social media, a stranded motorist exits his vehicle on a flooded road in the Houston, Texas area on May 2, 2024.
@StormChaserHTX
“Extreme” flooding is expected to impact central and east Texas river basins through next week, with “historic” releases by lake and reservoir operators amid heavy rain exacerbating the flood conditions, the governor’s office said.
Flooding caused highway closures in the area. Abbott’s office said state responders helped with “several” flood rescues in central and southeast Texas overnight, while urging residents to monitor forecasts and follow the advice of local emergency officials.
“For Texans living in at-risk areas, it is important to remain weather aware, follow the advice of state and local officials, and avoid traveling in dangerous flood conditions,” Abbott said.
Residents are also affected by power outages due to severe weather. More than 20,000 Houston-area customers were without power Thursday evening, according to CenterPoint Energy’s outage tracking system.
ABC News
