BAYOUS AND CREEKS UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 27 630 AM

The Harris County Flood Control District's Flood Operations team continues to monitor this extremely dangerous and life-threatening flash flood event still in progress over much of Harris County. Heavy rainfall continues across Harris County, with totals of more than 20 inches in some areas of southeast Harris County and 8-14 inches over much of the rest.

The Harris County Flood Control District's Flood Operations team continues to monitor this extremely dangerous and life-threatening flash flood event still in progress over much of Harris County. Heavy rainfall continues across Harris County, with totals of more than 20 inches in some areas of southeast Harris County and 8-14 inches over much of the rest.


Additional rainfall amounts of 5-10 inches are possible, on top of what already has fallen. Emergency first-responders are now focused on reaching and rescuing residents trapped in their flooded homes, answering thousands of overnight calls for assistance as quickly as possible.


Thousands of homes have been estimated flooded across the county. All watersheds are experiencing devastating flooding except: Cedar Bayou, Carpenters Bayou, Sims Bayou, and White Oak Bayou. However, homes are likely still flooding along parts of these watersheds from the intense rainfall rates.


Hurricane Harvey’s extreme rainfall has also led to significant rises in the Addicks and Barker reservoirs in west Harris and Fort Bend counties. Some roadways that run through the reservoirs will likely go underwater today as stormwater levels rise. Neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the reservoirs' western and northern boundaries could face flooded streets and possibly homes. Residents immediately adjacent to the Addicks and Barker reservoirs are urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures, if necessary. Any questions regarding the reservoirs should be directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Galveston District Emergency Operations Center at 409-766-6377 or www.swg.usace.army.mil. On Facebook, www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict or Twitter, www.twitter.com/USACEgalveston

Record Flooding on the following channels: 

  • Brays Bayou
  • Upper Buffalo Bayou
  • Horsepen Creek
  • Little Cedar Bayou
  • Willow Spring Bayou
  • Armand Bayou
  • Turkey Creek
  • Beamer Ditch
  • Berry Bayou

Nearly every bayou and creek is experiencing some sort of flooding at this time.
Rainfall totals include: 

  • 1-hour rainfall of 3.4 inches on Goose Creek at State Highway 146
  • 6-hour rainfall of 17.04 inches on Clear Creek at Interstate 45
  • 24-hour rainfall of 7 inches on Clear Creek at I-45
  • Highest rainfall in the last 48 hours of 26.0 inches on Clear Creek at I-45

Widespread street flooding continues across Harris County. Please check the Houston Transtar website at http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/roadclosures/#highwater for a list of locations.

URGENT: Residents trying to escape rising floodwaters should go on their roof, do NOT go into the attic. Also, when calling 911, stay on the phone until it is answered. Do not drive or walk into high-water areas. For the next few hours, residents should remain in place and DO NOT ATTEMPT to drive. If faced with flooding, STAY PUT wherever you are, unless your life is threatened, and then CALL 911. A National Weather Service Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for Harris County until further notice.
The flood threat remains as Harvey continues to dump rain over Harris County. It is important for residents to stay tuned and pay close attention to additional rain throughout the remainder of the weekend.

The Flood Control District's Flood Operations team continues in full operation. The Flood Control District’s phone bank will remain open through the remainder of this event. Residents are urged to call with questions regarding flooding or to report any structural flooding at 713-684-4000.

Stay tuned and pay close attention to messages from emergency officials as this storm is quickly changing. Heed all advice given by local emergency officials. Evacuate only if you have been told to do so.

When flooding is imminent the following are steps YOU CAN TAKE DURING THE STORM: 

  • Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
  • Remain in your home during the storm unless instructed to evacuate by local officials.
  • Move emergency supplies and valuables to a high, dry place in your residence.
  • Locate and put pets in a safe place.
  • Never drive into high water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Less than two feet of water can float and wash away a vehicle. Be especially cautious at underpasses and at night when water across roadways can be difficult to see.
  • The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has disaster preparedness resources and the latest information about conditions in Harris County at readyharris.org. 
  • This flooding event is a reminder that all residents in this area should carry flood insurance. Contact your insurance agent for more information about purchasing flood insurance, or visit the National Flood Insurance Program at fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program or call 1-888-379-9531. Please keep in mind that new insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect.

About the Harris County Flood Control District
The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure.