AP
Houston neighborhoods were flooded Saturday after heavy rains that have already made it necessary to rescue more than 400 people from their homes, rooftops and roads submerged in murky water. Others were preparing to evacuate their properties.
A flood watch was to be in effect through Sunday afternoon as forecasters predicted additional rain Saturday night, bringing another 2.5 to 7.6 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) of water to the sodden and increases the probability of major flooding.
Aron Brown, 45, and his wife Jamie Brown, 41, were two of many residents who drove or walked to watch rising waters near a flooded crossing along the San Jacinto River in the Kingswood neighborhood. northeast of Houston.
The waters had risen several meters and had begun to flood nearby restaurants and a gas station.
Water was seen flowing into parts of the couple's subdivision, but Aron Brown said he wasn't worried since his house was on higher ground than other homes in his subdivision.
Aron Brown, who had driven from his home in a golf cart, said the flooding was not as bad as that caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. He pointed to nearby power lines and said the flooding during Harvey had reached the top of the line.
Jamie Brown said residents worry whenever it rains heavily north of the area, forcing water releases from Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe north of Kingwood that fill the San Jacinto River.
“However, they seem to be more frequent,” said Jamie Brown, referring to the downpours.
The intense storms on Friday forced numerous rescues in flooded areas, some of them from the roofs of flooded houses. Authorities redoubled urgent instructions for residents in low-lying areas to evacuate, warning that the worst was yet to come.
“A hiatus in heavy rain is expected through Saturday night,” according to the National Weather Service. “The next round of heavy rain is expected late (Saturday) into Sunday.”
Up to 3 inches of additional rain is forecast, with up to 5 inches more possible in isolated areas.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said Saturday that the area is expecting more rain on Sunday and if it is too much, it could be problematic. Hidalgo is the top elected official in the third most populous county in the country.
