Torrential rain caused flooding Thursday in southeastern Texas and officials in one county were asking residents to leave.
The storm system brought heavy rain to Harris County and Montgomery County, on the northern edge of Houston. Montgomery County officials issued a voluntary evacuation order and announced road closures due to flooding along the San Jacinto River.
National Weather Service meteorologist Haley Adams said the region received roughly 5 to 8 inches (13 to 20 centimeters) of rain in a 24-hour period, with some places receiving 10 to 12 inches (25 centimeters). ~30 cm) of rain fell. Further rain is forecast into Friday morning.
No injuries or deaths were reported, Adams said.
The National Weather Service warned that flash flooding was expected in Houston, including at Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The San Jacinto River Authority closed Lake Conroe in Montgomery County and released water from a dam that formed a reservoir due to high water levels. District officials warned that releasing water “could lead to downstream flooding.”
Emergency management officials said the region could experience flooding similar to that caused by remnants of Tropical Storm Imelda, which in 2019 caused more than 40 inches (102 centimeters) of flooding in some places.