Houston, Texas — A flood watch continued to be in effect for parts of southeastern Texas on Sunday, as forecasters predicted several more inches of rainfall and the potential for significant runoff across a vast area that encompasses over 100 square miles, including the city of Houston. The densely populated metropolitan area, home to more than 2 million residents, has been inundated by persistent heavy downpours. Emergency crews conducted hundreds of water rescues in Houston and surrounding neighborhoods over the weekend.
Tragedy struck in Johnson County over the weekend, just south of Fort Worth, when a child lost their life after the car they were traveling in became trapped in fast-moving water. Despite the rescue of two adults from the car who were taken to the hospital, the young boy inside the vehicle was discovered deceased a few hours later, according to officials.
Flood watches are typically issued when a combination of weather conditions poses a risk for flooding, although it does not guarantee imminent flooding in a specific area. The current flood watch, spanning from Harris County – encompassing Houston to College Station – is expected to remain in place through Sunday evening, extending eastward towards the Gulf Coast.
Meteorologists issued warnings for people within the flood watch regions to prepare for additional spells of rainfall and thunderstorms throughout Saturday night and into Sunday, following previous heavy rainfall that submerged large areas in high waters. Rescuers had already saved more than 400 individuals from flooded homes, rooftops, and roadways by Saturday, as neighborhoods around Houston grappled with rising water levels.
Concerns mounted along the San Jacinto River as rainfall pushed water levels beyond capacity, prompting Houston Police to share a video on social media showing an officer rescuing a man and three dogs trapped in floodwaters near Lake Houston. The National Weather Service emphasized the risk of river flooding, ranging from moderate to major levels, depending on the location.
Throughout southeastern Texas, residents braced for additional rainfall on Sunday, with the potential for localized flash flooding and the likelihood of powerful winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Houston and its neighboring communities endured a week of heavy rains, prompting Harris County officials to declare a disaster as river basins in the region faced heightened risks. Governor Greg Abbott expanded the disaster declaration to include 88 counties across Texas.
As southeastern Texas grapples with the aftermath of severe weather, ongoing efforts to monitor and respond to flooding continue, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and caution in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.