Updated 7:45 pm May 4
A flood watch issued by the National Weather Service has been extended through the evening of May 5 for areas of northeast Harris County, including Humble, Porter, Atascocita and Kingwood, following widespread rain and releases from the Lake Conroe and Lake Houston dams.
Current situation
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, both the east and west forks of the San Jacinto River near Porter, Humble and New Caney have crested, or reached their peak, and have begun to recede.
What to expect
According to a May 4 update from the NWS sent at approximately 6:41 pm, the next round of scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms is expected late tonight and will continue into Sunday afternoon or evening.
“Areas within the watch may see up to 1 to 3 inches of rainfall with isolated amounts of up to 4 to 8 inches possible,” the update reads. “If we issue any flash flood warnings tonight, we will be emphasizing staying off the roads and staying out of flood waters. In addition to the flooding threat, there is a chance of isolated strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing hail, strong winds and even a brief tornado.”
During a press conference held earlier in the day May 4, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said 178 people and 122 pets had been rescued in the county and no deaths or serious injuries had been reported. She added the county did not feel comfortable lifting its evacuation order tonight as it prepares for another round of rainfall.
“We’re not out of the woods yet, and that level of uncertainty remains,” Hidalgo said.
Hidalgo included residents who still need to evacuate at this point should call 911 in order to do so safely. A list of shelters can be found by clicking here.
Posted 11:23 am May 4
A flood watch issued by the National Weather Service has been extended through the afternoon of May 5 for areas of northeast Harris County, including Humble, Porter, Atascocita and Kingwood, following widespread rain and releases from the Lake Conroe and Lake Houston dams.
Current situation
On May 2, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a mandatory call for evacuation effective immediately for residents along the east fork of the San Jacinto River between FM 1485 and Lake Houston, as well as a voluntary call for evacuation for some residents along the west fork of the San Jacinto River in Kingwood. For a list of local shelters open to evacuees, click here.
Releases at the Lake Conroe Dam were at 20,945 cubic feet per second as of midnight May 4, according to the San Jacinto River Authority.
The conditions
In a May 4 Facebook post at approximately 11 am, the City of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management noted the following roadways are closed due to high water:
- The West Lake Houston Parkway bridge between Kingwood and Atascocita
- The underpass along Hwy. 59 at Hamblen Road
Meanwhile, in an email sent at approximately 10 am May 4, the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office noted the following roadways are currently flooded:
- Atascocita Shores Drive and Sunny Shores Drive
- Atascocita Shores Drive and Atascocita Point Drive
- Tamarron Drive and Kings River Road
What to expect
In a May 4 update from the NWS sent at approximately 9:20 am, officials noted there would be a lull in heavy rain expected May 4, however isolated and scattered thunderstorms are possible the afternoon of May 4 and may contribute to ongoing flooding. Additionally, another round of heavy rainfall is expected late May 4 and into the morning of May 5.
“An additional 1 to 3 inches is expected with isolated higher amounts up to 5 inches possible in the watch area,” the update reads. “The flood watch remains in effect and is now in effect through Sunday afternoon. Moderate to major river flooding continues today into next week.”
As of May 3 at approximately 10 pm, the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management had moved to Level 1, or maximum readiness, in response to flooding on the east and west forks on the San Jacinto River.
