HOUSTON — A voluntary evacuation has been called for Harris County residents near the East Fork of the San Jacinto River as flooding in the area is expected to worsen Wednesday morning.
In a news conference Tuesday night, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said people who live in the Idlewild and Idle Glen neighborhoods were under voluntary evacuation. Earlier in the day, voluntary evacuations were called for the same subdivisions on the Montgomery County side.
The Harris County voluntary evacuation was also called for residents who live within a couple of blocks of the San Jacinto River in the Commons of Lake Houston area.
Hidalgo said people who live in low-lying areas near the river in Northwood Country Estates, River Terrace, Cypress Point and the Kingwood area should also consider leaving. People there could be trapped at home for at least 24 hours unless they have a boat, she said.
“We do need people to make their own decisions and for their families,” Hidalgo said.
She wants people to be mindful of how high the water is when deciding between staying or leaving.
“There’s not a lot of homes on the ground, but those that are on the ground will be flooded tonight,” said Jeff Lindner with the Harris County Flood Control District.
Watch the full news conference with Harris County officials:
If you want to leave, but there’s water on the roads and you don’t feel safe, Lindner said to call 911 and have first responders get you to safety.
The county also is providing shelter for residents who choose to evacuate. If you need a place to stay, you can go to:
- 7858 Angus St., Houston
- 816 N. Blair Ave., Cleveland