HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Mandatory and voluntary evacuations were issued on Thursday for several communities near the San Jacinto River as thunderstorms and flooding left the river at a level we haven't seen since Hurricane Harvey.
A mandatory evacuation was issued for residents along the east side of the east fork of the San Jacinto River. On the east side of the east fork are the communities near FM 1485, all the way down to Lake Houston:
These residents were the same people who were placed under a voluntary evacuation on Tuesday.
"We want you out of this area," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. "This is a life-threatening situation. We need you to listen to that message that we are giving."
Hidalgo said the east fork of the San Jacinto River is usually 40 to 50 feet above sea level. On Tuesday, the river got up to 70 feet above sea level due to heavy rain Sunday night into Monday.
Hidalgo said the river is expected to reach 78 feet above sea level on Friday.
"That is just 3 feet below where it was during Harvey," she emphasized.
Hidalgo said floodwaters are expected to reach power lines in the area, which will put first responders at risk if any rescues are needed.
"For your safety, the safety of your family, your pets, as well as our first responders, please evacuate that area as soon as possible," Hidalgo said.
Neighborhoods under a voluntary evacuation
- Kingwood residents who live close to the west fork of the San Jacinto River
- Forest Cove
- North Shore
- Bellawood
- Rivercrest
- Kingspoint
- Atascocita Shores
- Rio Villa
Hidalgo said these residents have two options: Either be prepared to stay in place for two to three days or if you can't do that or leave!
Hidalgo said Kingwood residents closest to the river will be surrounded by water. Though there are multiple ways to get out of the area, Hidalgo said residents will likely be trapped for days if they chose not to evacuate. Water getting into homes was also a concern for Hidalgo. The same was said for the Forest Cove, Northshore, Bella Wood and Rivercrest neighborhoods.
Flooding was expected to hit those neighborhoods Thursday night and last through the weekend.
The Kingspoint and Atascocita Shores area, where the east and west fork of the San Jacinto River come together, was placed under a voluntary evacuation because flooding was expected along Wallisville Road, which is the only way in and out of those communities.
Hidalgo said residents of Kingspoint and Atascocita Shores had until Friday before sundown to evacuate because flooding there would peak over the weekend.
In Montgomery County, Judge Mark Keough issued voluntary evacuation orders for residents in the flood-prone areas of River Plantation, Mosswood and Woodloch. Residents were told to relocate as water levels were expected to continue to rise 10-12 feet.
Storm shelters were available in south, east and west Montgomery County.
South Montgomery County:
26777 Glen Loch Dr.
The Woodlands, Texas 77381
East Montgomery County:
816 N. Blair Ave.
Cleveland, Texas 77327
West Montgomery County:
2500 Lone Star Pkwy
Montgomery, TX 77356
What to do if you are in an evacuation area
(Information from the Houston-Galveston Area Council)
Take an emergency kit: Take all your prescriptions and other medical supplies your family uses regularly.
If you have pets, include their medications, food and other items to keep your pets happy.
Take important documents: You’ll want to take essential documents like your identification, insurance information, and medical information.
Make sure these documents are current and secured in a place that is safe and dry. Keep copies in a safety deposit box or a secure, password-protected digital space.
Evacuate When You're Told: Do not wait until the last minute. When it is time to leave, follow any guidelines. Emergency officials will let you know when it is safe to return to your home.