Houston, We Have a Problem: Heavy Rains Bring Rising Water, More Rain Expected Thursday

HOUSTON, TX -- A powerful line of thunderstorms that moved through the Houston area early Wednesday inundated the area with six inches of rain in just a few hours.

The heavy rain and flooding impacted motorists and left key roadways underwater that delayed school openings in parts of Harris and Fort Bend Counties and closed down three METRO rail line routes.

Significant flooding was reported sections of Interstate 69 from Fort Bend County to the northeast side of downtown Houston.

Widespread flooding on roads and underpasses was also reported and U.S. 288, I-69 and Loop 610, sections of Interstate 45 north at North Main Street, I-45 at the Katy Freeway and I-45 at Crosstimbers.

Nonetheless, some motorists hoping to find a way into work, instead found themselves stranded and needed rescue by firefighters, who conducted more than 60 high water rescues Wednesday morning.

Although the Wednesday caused flooding, it wasn’t as significant as the Tax Day Flood in 2016, or the Memorial Day Flood in 2015.

Although much of the rainfall had ended in the Metro Houston area by 9:30 a.m., more rain is expected later Wednesday and again Thursday until a large upper-level system passes into Louisiana.

While the roads were a problem, so were the bayous that took on a lot of the rain.

According to the the Harris County Flood Control District, Keegans Bayou crested after being over-banks at I-69 at Beltway 8, Roark Road, with numerous streets flooded, while Brays Bayou flooded the main lanes of State Highway 288 and homes in the lowest areas of Meyerland were in danger of flooding once again.

Other waterways, sch as Cypress Creek, which traverses from Humble, west into Waller County, and White Oak Bayou, which is fed by Cypress Creek, could see water continue to rise if the Houston area gets more rain, as forecasts predict.

Meanwhile, a National Weather Service Flood Warning remains in effect for Harris County until further notice.

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