Houston area facing ‘catasrophic’ flood conditions as severe weather pummels Texas

The Houston space is bracing for “catastrophic” flooding Friday as extreme downpours and excessive climate pummel components of Texas.

Harris County’s Workplace of Emergency Administration moved to its highest activation degree Friday morning in anticipation of the approaching flooding, Harris County Choose Lina Hidalgo advised reporters throughout a information convention.

Hidalgo warned residents that the forecast has modified as heavy rains have already fallen in northern Polk County and can make their strategy to Harris County prior to anticipated.

“Proper now, you could assume if you happen to reside in these neighborhoods that issues have leveled off and we’re good to go, however this menace is ongoing and it may worsen,” she mentioned. “It isn’t your typical river flood.”

A flood watch is in impact in southeastern Texas and Louisiana. Quite a few flash flood warnings are additionally in impact in Texas.

About 45 miles north of Houston, in Cleveland, Texas, a 12-hour previous child was medevaced by the Coast Guard due “reportedly experiencing low oxygen ranges at Texas Emergency Hospital, which doesn’t have a neonatal intensive care unit.”

On account of flooding within the space, emergency staff had been unable to move the child by ambulance.

Hidalgo famous that 700 houses have already flooded in Polk County.

“Ultimately seeing what’s happening there, it is like seeing the longer term,” Hidalgo mentioned.

The choose estimated that 100 Harris County houses are in danger for flooding.

Harris County issued a catastrophe declaration Thursday and referred to as for obligatory evacuations for residents dwelling closest to the banks of the East Fork of the San Jacinto River.

These unable to go away will possible be trapped of their houses for 2 to a few days, she warned.

“In the event you keep there, not solely are you a sitting duck, however you are placing our legislation enforcement at risk,” Hidalgo mentioned.

Hidalgo mentioned first responders have rescued 26 folks and 30 pets since Thursday evening.

Hidalgo mentioned she has been in contact with Gov. Greg Abbott, who issued a catastrophe declaration Thursday.

“As flooding situations and extreme climate proceed in a number of areas throughout Texas, I expanded the catastrophe declaration so as to add 59 counties to make sure Texans and their communities obtain the help and assist they should keep protected,” the governor mentioned in an announcement.

“For Texans in at-risk areas, you will need to stay weather-aware, observe the steering of state and native officers, and keep away from touring in harmful flood situations. The State of Texas continues working with emergency administration and native officers to deploy any extra sources wanted to offer ongoing assist and defend our fellow Texans,” he added.

The East Fork of the San Jacinto River was as much as 75 ft above sea degree Friday afternoon and anticipated to crest at 78 ft later within the day, in accordance with the forecast. The document is 81 ft set throughout Hurricane Harvey.

Usually, the river is 45 to 50 ft above sea degree, Hidalgo mentioned.

“Excessive” river flooding is anticipated to influence central and east Texas river basins via subsequent week, with “historic” releases by lake and reservoir operators amid the heavy rainfall exacerbating flooding situations, the governor’s workplace mentioned.

Flooding has precipitated closures alongside highways within the area. Abbott’s workplace mentioned state responders aided with “a number of” high-water rescues in central and southeast Texas in a single day whereas urging residents to watch forecasts and observe steering from native emergency officers.

Residents are additionally being impacted by energy outages amid the extreme climate. Greater than 2,200 Houston-area clients had been with out energy Friday afternoon, in accordance with CenterPoint Power’s outage tracker.

ABC Information’ Melissa Griffin contributed to this report.