Recent severe storms and heavy rainfall have led to significant flooding and numerous rescues in various counties across Texas. In Harris County, at least 224 people have been rescued from homes and vehicles, with more rain expected over the weekend. Fortunately, no deaths or serious injuries have been reported, and efforts have also been made to rescue 153 pets stranded by the deluge.
The ongoing storms have caused damage to homes, infrastructure, and public facilities, prompting Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo to urge residents to delay returning home until conditions improve.
Western and central Texas are expected to receive the bulk of the weekend rain, with the greater Houston area facing a chance of heavier downpours on Sunday. The region is already grappling with major flooding, as evidenced by 12 river gauges reaching flood stage.
This week's severe weather is part of a series of extreme events that have affected Texas since early April, including tornadoes, hailstorms, and intense rainfall. The Storm Prediction Center has issued alerts for potential tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds in several areas.
Communities north of Houston, such as San Jacinto, Walker, Polk, and Liberty counties, have been particularly hard hit, with historic flooding leading to evacuations and water rescues. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place in several areas, and emergency management officials are closely monitoring the situation as more rain is forecasted.
Disaster declarations have been issued for over a third of Texas counties, and Governor Greg Abbott has expanded storm-related declarations in response to the widespread flooding. Parts of eastern Texas have received several times their typical rainfall, exacerbating the risk of flash floods and river flooding.
While the current flooding is severe, it is more localized compared to the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The affected areas are bracing for continued rainfall and rising flood levels, with authorities urging residents to prioritize safety and follow evacuation orders.
