Date: Thu, 02 Jun 2016 10:37:49 EDT
Summary: Overnight rainfall amounts of 2 to 6 inches across much of the State has led to continued flooding.
Much of the State of Texas has experienced significant rainfall over the past week. Seven day rainfall amounts of 6 to greater than 20 inches have accumulated from western part of the state near San Angelo, all of the way to the Louisiana border. This persistent and widespread rainfall has caused record flooding.
Currently, flooding is effecting main stem and tributaries of the Neches, Trinity, San Jacinto, Brazos, Colorado, Guadalupe, and San Antonio Rivers. At least three reservoirs in the state are experiencing uncontrolled releases due to exceptionally high pools. As of this morning, a State of Disaster has been declared in 31 counties. Due to historical river levels in the lower Brazos River, evacuations have been ordered for the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg, along with other communities in Fort Bend County. To assist in emergency management operations, two rapid deployment gages have been deployed at sites on the lower Brazos River.
USGS crews have been maintaining gage operations and making flood measurements for the past week; approximately 100 discharge measurements have been made during this period. Peaks of record have occurred at four sites. At least two sites will require indirect discharge measurements. Currently, one site is not operational due to flood damage. At present, ten crews are making gage visits and discharge measurements across the state.
USGS staff have coordinated with numerous local, state, and federal agencies including the National Weather Service, the Corps of Engineers, and the State of Texas Office of Emergency Management.