USA – Flash Floods Prompt Dozens of Flood Rescues in Houston

by in News, USA

Heavy rain that began early on 08 August, 2017, caused flooding in some parts of the Houston area, Texas, and prompted about 20 flood water rescues.

This is the fourth major US city to suffer flash flooding in the last few days after flooding hit the cities of New Orleans, Kansas City and Las Vegas between 04 and 07 August.

The National Weather issued a flash-flood watch for the Houston area until Wednesday, 09 August.

According to Harris County Flood Control District, dozens of locations, mostly in the north of the city, recorded more than 6 inches of rain, with the majority falling in a 6 hour period. As much as 7.2 inches (182.88 mm) was recorded at Buffalo Bayou and 7.36 inches (186.94 mm) at White Oak Bayou. White Oak Bayou and Halls Bayou reportedly broke their banks and flooded nearby roads.

Dozens of roads and streets were under water. By 10:30 the Houston Fire Department reported  23 calls for assistance due to flood water.

According to local media, among the worst hit were north western areas of the city and suburbs, including the Katy area, Mission Bend and Copperfield Place, near Jersey Village

The city is wary of a repeat of recent devastating floods of May 2015, when seven people were killed, and April 2016 when eight people died.

Flooded roads in Houston, 18 April 2016. Photo: Elliot Blackburn under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Social Media

Flood Summary

Last updated: August 9, 2017
Event
Houston, Texas, USA, August 2017
Date
August 8 to August 9, 2017
Type
Flash flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

A - Jersey Village
B - Mission Bend
C - Katy

Magnitude

Rainfall level
182.88 mm in 24 hours
Buffalo Bayou - August 8 to August 8, 2017
Rainfall level
186.94 mm in 24 hours
White Oak Bayou - August 8 to August 8, 2017

Damages

Rescued
23 people
August 8 to August 9, 2017

Related Links