Houston escapes major flooding, but Sabine River facing historic rises

As expected the rains have moved out of the greater Houston region, and the heaviest storms are now over central Louisiana. Although a flood warning is in effect for Cypress Creek today in Harris County, only minor flooding is expected for portions of Sharp Road and Katy Hockley, which will may become inundated and possibly impassable later today or tonight.

The story is different to our east. Take a look at the total rainfall received in the Texas-Arkansas-Louisiana area during the last 48 hours. Note the very large area of 12 to 15 inches of rainfall in the Barney-colored purples.

Rainfall accumulation during the last 48 hours. (National Weather Service/Weather Bell)
Rainfall accumulation during the last 48 hours. (National Weather Service/Weather Bell)

That rainfall has caused major problems for the Sabine River, which separates Texas from Louisiana. Waters already are running several feet above flood stage in some areas along the river below the Toledo Bend Reservoir, and mandatory evacuations have been called for low lying areas.

(National Weather Service)
(National Weather Service)

 

As a result of the rains the Toledo Bend Reservoir, which is south of Shreveport and north of Lake Charles, is considerably above its full pool level and began a massive release of water at 6 a.m. to release pressure on the dam. This will contribute to downstream flooding for the next two to three days, as shown in the graphic above.

More information is available from the National Weather Service’s river flooding page for the area.

3 thoughts on “Houston escapes major flooding, but Sabine River facing historic rises”

Comments are closed.