Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2016 11:01:18 EDT
Summary: Flooding persists in Central and Southeast Texas as a result of record rainfall.
As a result of record rainfall amounts and intensities, flooding continues in many streams in, and around, the Houston metropolitan area. At least 5 have been reported dead as a result of the event, with over 1,200 high-water rescues and over 1,000 homes flooded.
National Weather Service reports that daily rainfall records were set at both Houston Intercontinental Airport (9.92 inches) and Houston Hobby Airport (5.16 inches).
Peaks of record have been recorded on several tributaries to the San Jacinto River, including Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and Willow Creek.
At least 5 peaks of record have been recorded across the state during this event. Currently, there are flooding concerns in the western part of the Houston metro area as Barker and Addicks Flood Control Reservoirs are predicted to hold record pools, as well as in Central Texas as the Colorado and Brazos Rivers are reaching NWS flood levels.
8 crews are currently deployed making discharge measurements and providing data to local cooperators, emergency management, and the National Weather Service. As of the morning of April 19th, 3 gages are currently not reporting data and are being visited and repaired. Three ratings were extended as a result of measurements made on April 18th. At least one site was marked for possible indirect discharge measurement.
USGS staff are participating in local and statewide emergency management conference calls, as well as coordinating closely with cooperators and partners. This includes the National Weather Service River Forecast Center, the Corps of Engineers, the Harris County Flood Control District, and the Lower Colorado River Authority.