Recent severe weather in Texas has led to the death of a young boy whose body was recovered from floodwaters near Fort Worth. The storms have prompted disaster declarations for over a third of the state’s counties. Johnson County Emergency Management Coordinator Jamie Moore reported that the boy was found after authorities responded to a call for a vehicle stuck in rapidly moving water. The occupants managed to escape, but the boy was swept away when they tried to reach safe ground.
The heavy rainfall has caused rivers in the southern part of the state to swell, resulting in flooded homes and businesses and displacing thousands of people. In Harris County alone, 224 people have been rescued from homes and vehicles, with evacuation orders and flood watches in place. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo stated that no deaths or serious injuries had been reported in the area, but there has been significant damage to infrastructure and homes. At least 153 pets have also been rescued during the deluge.
Rescue efforts are ongoing in the affected areas, with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officers using boats to assist residents stranded in floodwaters. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has deployed boats and high water rescue vehicles in neighborhoods near rivers where the water levels are dangerously high. Despite evacuation orders, some residents have chosen to remain in their homes, prompting law enforcement to conduct rescue missions to assist those in need of assistance.
The National Weather Service reported that seven river gauges in Texas are in major flood stage, with 19 in moderate flooding and 36 in minor flooding. The forecast calls for continued rain into Tuesday, with some areas expected to receive additional rainfall totaling up to 4 to 8 inches. While conditions are improving, moderate to major river flooding remains a concern for the next several days. This week’s storms are part of a series of severe weather events that have impacted the state since early April, including tornadoes, hailstorms, and intense rainfall in East Texas.
Overall, the forecast for Houston for the rest of the week shows dry weather and warm temperatures, with plenty of sunshine to help dry out the region. The recent storms have caused significant damage and displacement in Texas, with rescue teams working tirelessly to assist those affected by the severe weather. The state continues to monitor the situation closely and respond to the ongoing challenges posed by the inclement weather.
