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High Water Levels Expected on East and West Forks of The San Jacinto River

By: Robert Lazaro
| Published 12/27/2018

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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas -- Heavy rainfall of 3-4 inches overnight across a large portion of the San Jacinto River watershed on top of wet grounds will lead to significant rises along the East Fork of the San Jacinto River from Plum Grove downstream to south of FM 1485 and low-lying areas along the West Fork of the San Jacinto River downstream of US 59 to West Lake Houston Parkway. Significant run-off from Spring, Cypress, and Lake Creeks will be the main contributing factor to the rises along the West Fork of the San Jacinto River.

Roads near both the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto River in these communities will likely be impacted by the projected rise in water levels and access to elevated structures may become cut-off. The river is expected to rise to flood threshold levels by Friday morning at both FM 1485 and US 59 and may remain near or above the flood stage into early next week.

Residents in these areas should remain alert to rising water and changing river conditions and take immediate actions to move or secure property that is near the river. When flooding is imminent the following are steps YOU CAN TAKE TO PREPARE:


Make sure storm drains and culverts are clear from debris. Clogged drains and culverts can prevent water from traveling to the bayous and tributaries, causing street flooding, and possible house flooding, depending on the amount of rain we receive.

Debris should NOT be discarded in areas bayous, streams and ditches. Debris should be put in trash bins and then brought inside into garages or backyards, away from drainage ditches and storm sewers.

Winds can cause trees and branches to fall; trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.

In areas that normally experience flooding, move vehicles to driveways or in parking garages as the storm approaches.

Never drive into high water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Less than two feet of water can float and wash away a vehicle. Be especially cautious at underpasses and at night when water across roadways can be difficult to see.

Move emergency supplies and valuables to a high, dry place in your residence.

Locate and put pets in a safe place.

Your safest option is to stay put. However, if you must evacuate to a safe location or a shelter, take your emergency supply kit and tell your family check-in contact you’re leaving. Don’t drive through flooded streets.

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has disaster preparedness resources and the latest information about conditions in Harris County at readyharris.org.

All residents in this area should carry flood insurance. Contact your insurance agent for more information about purchasing flood insurance, or visit the National Flood Insurance Program at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program or call 1-888-379-9531. Please keep in mind that new insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect.

The Flood Control District urges all residents to monitor rainfall and bayou water levels and near real-time inundation mapping on its Harris County Regional Flood Warning System website (desktop and mobile versions) at: www.harriscountyfws.org. Be sure to also follow us on Twitter @HCFCD for updates.

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