Brazos River Levels Surpass Record Levels
Katy, TX (May 31, 2016) The Brazos River in Fort Bend County is reaching record levels. The Office of Emergency Management along with law enforcement, municipalities, school districts, Levee Improvement Districts and many critical county departments are working together to coordinate planning, preparation and support to affected residents.
The National Weather Service previously predicted a 53.5 crest which has been surpassed and the new estimation is 53.8. As of 5pm today the levels were measuring above this at 53.95. Weather reports are suggesting scattered showers the next few days with a possibility of localized rainfall in some areas. This localized rainfall could cause area flooding as drainage areas are full and the ground is saturated.
Many areas near the river have called for evacuations. At this time, parts of Richmond, Rosenberg, Simonton, unincorporated areas North of the river near Rosenberg , and Thompsons have all called for evacuations. Residents are urged to take action for their own safety. “This level of water in the river has not been seen in many of our lifetimes and we urge residents to heed these warnings,” said Jeff Braun, Emergency Management Coordinator for Fort Bend County. Approximately 120 rescues have been conducted in Fort Bend County with over 90 of those water rescues being conducted by the Texas Task Force 1.
Even if your home sits at a high enough elevation to avoid the water, if you are in one of these evacuation areas, the entire area around you is likely to be inundated causing you to be stranded, “ Jeff stressed. The level of the river is expected to stay above major flood conditions into the weekend.
Shelters have been established at the First Baptist Church in Richmond and the Bible Fellowship Church in Brookshire. Residents needing medical or functional assistance should call Enable Fort Bend at 211. Information about road closures, an interactive map of flooding estimations, and other safety tips may be found at the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management website www.fbcoem.org or by calling 281 342 6185.
Courtesy of Robert E. Hebert, Fort Bend Co. Judge
