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Emergency officials in Harris and Montgomery counties are issuing alerts to residents living near the San Jacinto River’s East Fork about rising water levels anticipated for Wednesday.
A Flood Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the east fork near New Caney, affecting Liberty, Harris, and Montgomery counties. Major flooding is forecasted, with water levels expected to rise by 10 to 15 feet due to heavy rainfall upstream from storms on Sunday and Monday.
Harris County’s Office of Emergency Management anticipates widespread lowland flooding along the river, leading to numerous street closures. FM-1485 is projected to be submerged under several feet of water and deemed impassable.
Five neighborhoods have been identified as likely to be impacted: Idle Glen Subdivision, Northwood Country Estates, River Terrace, Cypress Point, and the Kingwood area.
However, structural flooding is not anticipated, with flooding primarily affecting non-developed lands and backyard areas with bulkheads along the river in Kingwood.
In response, the county has issued a voluntary evacuation for Idle Glen and Commons of Lake Houston neighborhoods, extending a couple of blocks from the river. County Judge Lina Hidalgo urged other subdivision residents to consider leaving, but stopped short of issuing a wider evacuation order.
The Leon Grayson/Baldree Community Center has been designated as a shelter for those evacuating, located at 13828 Corpus Christi St. in Houston. Residents encountering high water near their homes are advised not to attempt driving to the shelter. Instead, they are instructed to call 911 for assistance, and first responders will transport them to safety.
The shelter will provide cots, blankets, food, water, and accept crated pets.
Montgomery County’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has also ordered a voluntary evacuation for the Idle Wilde and Idle Glen neighborhoods along FM-1485 in the eastern part of the county. The river is expected to crest near 72 feet in major flood stage by noon on Wednesday, according to the NWS.
As a precaution, nearby school districts have begun closing campuses, with Cleveland ISD announcing the closure of all campuses and facilities on Wednesday, with plans to reopen on Thursday.