Officials have issued warnings of "life-threatening" flood conditions in the Houston area due to severe weather in Texas.
A flood watch is currently active in southeastern Texas and Louisiana, with numerous flash flood warnings also in effect. Some parts of southeastern Texas have already seen up to 8 inches of rain, and more rainfall is expected through Friday. Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster to address the severe weather and flooding affecting the state.
"As flooding conditions and severe weather persist in multiple regions across Texas, I have expanded the disaster declaration to include 59 counties to ensure that Texans and their communities receive the assistance and support they need to stay safe," Governor Abbott stated. He urged residents in at-risk areas to stay informed about the weather, follow the advice of state and local officials, and avoid traveling in dangerous flood conditions. The State of Texas is collaborating with emergency management and local authorities to provide additional resources as needed.
Harris County officials have also declared a disaster and ordered mandatory evacuations for residents living closest to the banks of the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, citing ongoing flooding and heavy rainfall north of the area.
"We want you out of this area," said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo during a press briefing. "This is a life-threatening situation." The river is projected to rise to 77 feet above sea level by Friday, which is three feet below its level during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Normally, the river stands at 45 to 50 feet above sea level.
Judge Hidalgo warned that those unable to evacuate may be stuck in their homes for two to three days. "Extreme" river flooding is expected to impact central and east Texas river basins throughout the next week, with lake and reservoir operators planning "historic" releases to manage the heavy rainfall and worsening flooding conditions, according to the governor's office.
Flooding has resulted in closures along highways in the region. Abbott's office reported that state responders conducted "multiple" high-water rescues in central and southeast Texas overnight and advised residents to monitor forecasts and heed guidance from local emergency officials.
Residents are also facing power outages due to the severe weather. CenterPoint Energy's outage tracker indicated that more than 20,000 customers in the Houston area were without power on Thursday evening.