Texas has been grappling with heavy rains that have triggered widespread flooding, water rescues, and school cancellations.
Over the past 24 hours, more than 9 inches (23 centimeters) of rain have deluged the region. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the affected areas, which is expected to remain in effect until Tuesday
Emergency responders have been working tirelessly to rescue people stranded by rising waters.
In Conroe, just north of Houston, rescuers used boats to evacuate residents and their pets from flooded homes, ensuring their safety
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the top elected official in the nation’s third-largest county, issued a mandatory evacuation order for those living along portions of the San Jacinto River. The situation has been described as “life-threatening” and “catastrophic” by officials
The San Jacinto River is a major concern. As more rain falls and officials release extra water from an already full reservoir, the river is expected to continue rising.
The river’s level was at 66.2 feet on Friday morning, and it is projected to crest at 76.6 feet on Saturday. The flood stage for the river is 58 feet.
Judge Hidalgo warned residents living along the river in southern portions of the county that they could be stranded for days if they remain in their homes.
While no injuries or deaths have been reported, several people have been rescued from high waters. Livingston, northeast of Conroe, experienced flooding, with water rising to the windshields of moving vans and above the bottom of windows in some buildings.
College Station also faced challenges, where a driver was rescued from a light pole after her car was washed away in a creek.
