HOUSTON – The Harris County Flood Control District issued a stern warning to people living near the West Fork of the San Jacinto River Wednesday afternoon.
Dozens of homes in Kingwood's North Shore subdivision are flooded, and while some residents left the night of the storm, some are spending another night without power.
Rising flood water following the release of water from the bloated Lake Conroe, upstream has potential of adding severe damage to the surrounding areas.
"It's going to be four and half feet of water in my house probably," James Green, a longtime resident of North Shore said.
Police will be blocking the major intersections to make sure only homeowners come down neighborhood streets in the Kingwood area.
Many are deciding whether or not to leave their home. Some have concerns of looters taking advantage of an abandoned home, other simply have no where else to go.
Green had no immediate plans to leave.
Others left the night of the storm and returned to today to collect belongings.
Rocky Derrico, who said his house had "3 feet of water in it," left the night of the storm but returned today with his raft to collect his dogs.
"We left them upstairs on the second floor," Derrico said.
He returned today when he heard the Dam was releasing water, but will not stay the night he said.
Others will.
The water level has reached near Humble has reached 52.7 feet and it is expected to rise as high as 52.8 according to the National Weather Service.
Complete Text of HCFCD statement:
Rainfall from Wednesday morning storms has dropped two to four inches over the already high West Fork of the San Jacinto River, located east of U.S. 59 in the north Humble area. Residents who live in neighborhoods immediately north and south of this section of the riverbanks – east of U.S. 59 – should be prepared to take action as the water from the river will inundate streets and possibly cut off access to homes in those areas.
Subdivisions that will be affected include Forest Cove and Northshore immediately north of the river, and River Crest and Belleau Woods south of the river. The potential is high for flooded streets as water drains into the West Fork from Cypress Creek and Spring Creek in north/northwest Harris County, and Lake Creek in Montgomey County. With access cut off to and from those neighborhoods, residents who remain could be trapped in their homes until floodwaters subside, which could be well into the coming weekend.
There is not as much concern for house flooding in these neighborhoods as most of the homes are elevated; however, the homes at ground level could also be in danger of flooding.
In 1994, about 30 inches of rain fell over three days in Harris County. During that flood event, the West Fork of San Jacinto River Porter gage, which is currently at 27.47 feet, crested at 41.72 feet; and the West Fork of San Jacinto River Humble gage, which is currently at 51.65 feet, crested at 67.3 feet.
Recent bouts of heavy rainfall have saturated the ground and increased water levels in our bayous, creeks and tributaries. Some parts of Harris County have already received more than 32 inches of rain this year, which is almost half of the county's average annual rainfall.
The Flood Control District's Flood Watch team is coordinating closely with the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, the City of Houston, San Jacinto River Authority and West Gulf River Forecast Center; and will continuously monitor rainfall trends and check the gages that measure rainfall amounts and water levels in bayous and creeks. The team constantly monitors the data and works during severe weather events to advise the public and local officials of areas that are and could be affected by flooding.
With heavy rainfall comes the threat of flooding, so it is important for Harris County residents to be aware of conditions near their workplaces, schools and homes. The Flood Control District urges all residents to monitor rainfall and bayou water levels on its Harris County Regional Flood Warning System website.
The Flood Control District has a "Storm Center" with helpful, printable resources, including a guide on how to create and implement a FAMILY FLOOD PREPAREDNESS PLAN and a FAMILY EMERGENCY KIT checklist. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has disaster preparedness resources and the latest information about conditions in Harris County at www.readyharris.org. Additional flood preparedness tips:
- Secure valuables and important documents.
- Avoid driving, if possible. If you must venture out, avoid driving into water of unknown depth. Moving water can quickly sweep you and your vehicle away.
- Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
- Remain in your home during the storm unless instructed to evacuate by local officials.
- Have a flood insurance policy. For information on flood insurance, visit the National Flood Insurance Program website at www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.
- Know your home's risk of flooding. You can view a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM or floodplain map) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Map Service Center, or refer to the Flood Control District website.
- Office of Emergency Management with the City of Houston has severe weather information on the Office of Emergency Management website.
- City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods and Public Works inspectors are conducting structural inspections of flooded businesses and homes as well as assisting residents. If your home has experienced flooding, please contact the City's help line at 311 to report the damage (713-837-0311).