USA – Flood Rescues in Houston After 200mm of Rain in 24 Hours

Heavy rain caused surface flooding in Houston, Texas, on 04 July 2018, dampening Fourth of July celebrations in the city.

At least 18 locations in Harris County recorded more than 7 inches of rain in 24 hours. Some central areas of Houston recorded 7.80 inches (198.12 mm), according to figures from Harris County Flood Control District. Several bayous, including the White Oak Bayou, broke their banks.

Rainfall in Houston, 04 to 05 July 2018. Image: Harris County Flood Control District

By around 13:00 on 04 July, Texas Department of Transport, Houston, reported flooded roads in 17 different locations across Houston.

Houston Police Department said they responded to dozens of calls from stranded motorists. Later the department said via Social Media “Since 6 a.m. – about a 12-hour stretch – we’ve had 167 vehicles removed and towed.” No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Other areas of the state also saw heavy rain, and National Weather Service (NWS) Houston said there were new daily highest rainfall records set at Galveston, 2.22″ (previous 2.14″ in 1942); Hobby, 6.00″ (previous 3.04″ in 1942) and Intercontinental, 4.19″ (previous 3.49″ in 1942).

A NWS river flood warning is in effect for the West Fork San Jacinto in Humble. As of early Wednesday 04 July, the river stood as 49.35 feet. Minor flood stage is 49.3 feet.

Roads were flooded in Houston, Texas, 04 July, 2018. Photo: Texas Department of Transport

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Flood Summary

Last updated: July 10, 2018
Event
Houston, Texas, USA, July 2018
Date
July 4 to July 5, 2018
Type
Urban flood, Flash flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

A - Houston
B - Humble
C - White Oak Bayou, Houston

Magnitude

Rainfall level
198.12 mm in 24 hours
Houston - July 4 to July 5, 2018
River level
15.042 metres
West Fork San Jacinto in Humble - July 4 to July 4, 2018
Minor flood stage is 49.3 feet / 15.03 metres

Damages

Rescued
200 people
Houston - July 4 to July 5, 2018
Estimated figure. Houston police said said they responded to dozens of calls from stranded motorists and 167 vehicles removed and towed.
Roads closed
17 roads
Houston - July 4 to July 5, 2018
Texas Department of Transport, Houston, reported flooded roads in 17 different locations across Houston