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Widespread flash flooding hits parts of Houston, Texas

houston-flooding-august-8-2017

Due to torrential rainfall overnight, parts of Houston, Texas, particularly its west side, are affected by widespread flash flooding. There are multiple flood warnings and watches in effect for some creeks and bayous in the city which will remain in effect through Wednesday as another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected later today and into tonight.

Heavy overnight rains triggered widespread flash flooding in parts of Houston early Tuesday, August 8, 2017. The hardest hit was western and northern Harris County, where water flooded vehicles and entered homes and businesses.

Radar estimates and Weather Underground rainfall reports indicated 101.6 to 178 mm (4 to 7 inches) of rain had fallen generally west of U.S. 59 in Harris County. 

NWS Houston warns a river flood warning remains in effect for the Halls Bayou, urging people to stay away from the river until water levels recede. Motorists should avoid any water covered roads and find an alternative route. Livestock and equipment should remain out of the flood plain for the next few days.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Wednesday morning, August 9, for a portion of southeast Texas, including Chambers, Fort Bend, Harris, and Liberty counties, as a mesoscale convective vortex (upper-level disturbance) remains parked over the region.

At 06:17 CDT (11:17 UTC), NWS Houston said moderate rainfall continues to fall across much of the Houston Metro area, inhibiting the recession of flood waters. This rainfall should subside later this morning, giving a break for a portion of the day today. "However, the MCV is expected to generate another round of showers and thunderstorms later today and into tonight. Heavy rainfall will be possible with this round as well, and flooding is likely given saturated soils from this morning's rainfall."

Authorities remind residents not to drive into areas where the water covers the roadway. "The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. Vehicles caught in rising water should be abandoned quickly. If your vehicle stalls...abandon it and seek higher ground immediately. Rapidly rising water may engulf your vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. Move to higher ground."

Featured image: Parts of Houston affected by widespread flash floods. Credit: The Bishop (via Twitter)

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