HOUSTON — On Thursday, mandatory evacuations were ordered for communities near the San Jacinto River as the rain continued to fall and the water continued to rise creating flooding near Hurricane Harvey levels.
We've gotten some questions about the layout of the area. So, we're giving you a better understanding of where those impacted areas are.
The San Jacinto River starts as separate waterways – the east fork, east of Huntsville, and the west fork, west of Huntsville.
From the headwaters in Walker County, both forks head south. The east fork flows 46 miles through Cleveland, south into Harris County. It is narrow and shallow with numerous sandbars. The west fork of the San Jacinto River flows into Montgomery County where it is dammed to create Lake Conroe. The water then flows south from the dam and eventually meets with the east fork. That's where the river is dammed at Lake Houston.
Below Lake Houston, the San Jacinto River continues south, eventually merging with Buffalo Bayou and the Houston Ship Channel before eventually flowing into Galveston Bay.
Mandatory evacuation
The mandatory evacuation was issued for residents along the east side of the east fork of the San Jacinto River. On the east side of the east fork are the communities near FM 1485, all the way down to Lake Houston:
Flooding hit those neighborhoods Thursday night and is expected to last through the weekend.
Storm shelters are available in south, east, and west Montgomery County.
South Montgomery County:
26777 Glen Loch Dr.
The Woodlands, Texas 77381
East Montgomery County:
816 N. Blair Ave.
Cleveland, Texas 77327
West Montgomery County:
2500 Lone Star Pkwy
Montgomery, TX 77356
What to do if you are in an evacuation area
(Information from the Houston-Galveston Area Council)
Take an emergency kit: Take all your prescriptions and other medical supplies your family uses regularly.
If you have pets, include their medications, food, and other items to keep your pets happy.
Take important documents: You’ll want to take essential documents like your identification, insurance information, and medical information.
Make sure these documents are current and secured in a place that is safe and dry. Keep copies in a safety deposit box or a secure, password-protected digital space.
Evacuate When You're Told: Do not wait until the last minute. When it is time to leave, follow any guidelines. Emergency officials will let you know when it is safe to return to your home.