Texas Flood Warnings Issued as Severe Weather Hits

Flood warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) were issued on Saturday for Texas around the San Jacinto River, Navasota River and Peach Creek as more heavy rain strikes the Lone Star State over the weekend.

It comes after flooding in the Houston area on Friday with 700 homes damaged in Polk County, according to ABC News. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo told reporters that the East Fork of the San Jacinto River had risen to 75 feet above sea level, well above the usual 45 to 50 feet and nearing the record 81 feet that occurred during Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Texas has been struck by a wave of extreme weather, with flooding along the Trinity River in Harris County on April 30. Two days later, a tornado struck the state in Hawley destroying a number of homes and vehicles.

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According to the latest NWS update on Saturday, flood warnings are now in force across parts of Montgomery, Harris, Liberty, San Jacinto, Madison, Brazos and Grime counties. Areas near the San Jacinto River, including both its East and West Forks, along with Peach Creek and the Navasota River are especially vulnerable.

For the area around East Fork San Jacinto near New Caney, a flood warning is in place until Tuesday evening, with the river stage at 5:31 a.m. CDT on Saturday recorded at 77.8 feet.

"Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles," the NSW warned on Saturday. "Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas."

A mandatory evacuation order has also been issued for people living in some low-lying areas near the Trinity River, particularly below the Lake Livingston Dam, Fox 26 Houston reported.

Newsweek has reached out to the Texas Department of Public Safety via email for comment.

In addition, rainfall is expected to be weaker across southeastern Texas on Saturday compared to Friday, but the respite is likely to be temporary, with more torrential downpours expected on Sunday that could deposit 1 to 3 inches of rain.

In addition, ABC News reported that powerful thunderstorms could hit western Texas on Saturday, around cities such as San Angelo and Midland, with hail and tornados also possible for these areas.

On Sunday, thunderstorms are more likely further east creating a higher flood risk around Houston.

In an update published on Saturday for the Houston area the local NWS office warned on X, formerly Twitter: "The main focus arrives late this evening into Sunday as another disturbance brings widespread showers and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall potentially exists and could result in flash flooding. A few storms may become strong to severe with hail and strong guests as the main risks. A Flood Watch remains in effect through Sunday afternoon."

Meanwhile, footage posted to X on Friday showed vehicles struggling to make their way across a flooded road in the Houston area, with several having been abandoned in the water.

One man in East Harris County was rescued whilst hanging onto a fence along with his two dogs, according to Fox 26 Houston.

Heading into next week the southeastern United States is expected to be struck by a heatwave with temperatures reaching highs of up to 120 degrees in some parts of southern Texas. Extreme heat warnings from the NWS are scheduled to take effect on Tuesday and remain in force for the rest of the week.