5/23/26 – Earlier this week, contractors for the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 10 finished paving the surface lanes across the UnionPacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks. Two surface lanes both east- and westbound will border the bridge being built over the tracks and Loop 494. They will provide turning capabilities at the intersection as well as access to local businesses.
Note fresh pavement in lower right.
All that remains to be paved is a narrow strip just a few feet wide adjacent to the tracks (see above). The strips will be paved after crossing gates and traffic signals are installed and coordinated with other railroad crossings up and down the tracks.
That means the only unpaved section of roadway in Phase I (not counting the bridge) is a tiny section in front of the dry cleaners on the west side of Loop 494 (see below). Light poles were finally cleared out of there this week and paving was scheduled for today. However, heavy rains disrupted that.
Last unpaved area is in lower right corner of intersection.
Elsewhere along Phase I:
Work continues on excavating and lining the entry ponds that bracket Northpark at US59
Contractors are busy installing light poles
New traffic control signal control box at Russell Palmer has been installed and should be operational soon
Work on Loop 494 appears complete
The last major item, construction of the bridge, will pick back up when the new surface lanes become operational and traffic can be moved out of the center lanes.
See pictures below.
Photos Taken May 16-23
Work on north entry pond on 5/16/26Excavation of south entry pond continues, but was delayed by heavy rains this week.New temporary traffic signal being installed in rain on morning of 5/20/26 at Northpark/Loop 494.Old traffic signal pole being removed on same day from last area to be paved.
Four traffic officers kept traffic moving smoothly during the change of signals.
The concrete junction boxes staged lower center/right of the image above will connect drainage across Northpark under the old roadway once traffic switches from the center to the new feeder roads.
Ditch One will be hydro-mulched when contractor returns to hydro-much road shoulders and plant sod in medians of NorthparkPaving has been completed up to the eastern bridge abutment and pavement underlayment on abutment itself has started.Work on Loop 494 is finished except for traffic lights and crossing gates.Contractors are still using the closed off section to stage equipment.
Street Light Installation
Street light foundations usually consist of an 8’ deep concrete column. Contractors use an auger to bore the hole. Then they install rebar and pour concrete. The process goes quickly.
However, due to right-of-way constraints, Northpark has six locations where storm water laterals run approximately four feet below grade behind the curb. So, typical street light foundations won’t have enough clearance. Instead, they use “spread-foot foundations” at those locations.
Spread-foot foundations run parallel to grade, horizontally instead of vertically. If you look at the image below, you will see most of the foundation will be underneath the adjacent sidewalk.
In parts of the City that experience frequent inundation, such foundations are common because they can resist the forces of floodwater pushing against them.
Majority of the street light foundations on Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive between Bagby and Shepherd Drive are spread foot.
A Look Ahead at Bridge Construction
I asked Project Manage Ralph De Leon when he expected bridge construction to pick back up. He replied, “As soon as the feeder roads are open +/- June 23rd. Ford, Knox, Royal Crossing and Northpark are interconnected. All four intersections have been updated, and the testing is currently underway. All four have to be operational before UPRR will let us open the Northpark feeder roads.”
5/22/2026 – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is kicking off another round of funding for Flood Infrastructure Projects. $312 million is available for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Who Can Apply for What
Texas Cities, Counties and Districts/Authorities are eligible to apply for grants or 0%-interest loans. Four types of projects qualify:
Flood Management Evaluations (Planning studies)
Flood Mitigation Projects (Construction or rehabilitation of drainage infrastructure)
Flood Management Strategies (Projects that don’t fit within the first two categories, such as warning systems, stream gages, crossing barriers, public education, buyouts, etc.)
Federal Matching Grants (Funds for a portion of required federal matches associated with projects in one of the three categories above).
The New Plan for How Money Will Be Distributed
TWDB has published an “Intended Use Plan” describing how the money will be allocated. It includes a detailed scoring matrix for prioritizing projects. The Board will accept public comments on the plan and the matrix until Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:59PM CDT.
Application for funding happens in two stages to make things easier. Applicants submit an abridged application for prioritizing proposed projects. The highest ranking projects will then be invited to submit full applications.
This year’s Intended Use Plan makes nine key changes compared to previous years.
Removal of the Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) from the Minimum Requirements section.
FME projects are not subject to the notice requirement.
Water conveyance projects have additional coordination and planning requirements.
To ensure financial assistance is distributed more broadly, no single entity will be able to receive financial assistance for more than two abridged application requests within a single project category. The only exceptions: (1) federal match projects, and (2) funds remain.
Projects will be prioritized into the four categories listed above
Removal of predetermined funding goals per category.
TWDB will invite at least one project from each regional flood planning group within each category, as funding permits.
Funding caps will apply to grants, loans, and in-kind funding terms within each category.
Grant qualifiers and grant percentage offerings were changed.
Finally this TWDB page contains information regarding everything having to do with the Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund. It includes examples of previously submitted/approved projects, a project dashboard, instructions on how to apply for grants and much more.
To date, TWDB has committed more than $832 million to Texas flood infrastructure projects.
Local Project Now in Construction
A key to the success of projects within the San Jacinto River Basin is working with the San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group. Timothy E. Buscha is currently the chair. Buscha said recently, “What we’re hoping for is a more streamlined way to get money to the projects that need it most.” And the first step? “We’re trying to get people to get a project into the system so that they’re eligible.”
Eventually that money works its way back down to communities where it can do some good. For instance, the Taylor Gully project, which just started construction in Kingwood, is a beneficiary of more than $10 million of Flood Infrastructure Funding, according to the TWDB dashboard.
Like most large infrastructure projects, funding came from a number of sources. In this case, it came from TWDB, the 2018 Bond Program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Texas General Land Office, and the EPA. Congressman Dan Crenshaw was instrumental in securing the funding from HUD and EPA.
So, don’t sit back and wait for projects to come to you. Advocate for them. Get with your local officials while the getting is good.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/22/2026
3188 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Taylor-Gully.png?fit=2434%2C1192&ssl=111922434adminadmin2026-05-22 15:03:022026-05-22 15:52:28TWDB Awarding $312 Million for Flood Infrastructure Projects
5/21/2026 – Forecasters with NOAA’s National Weather Service predict a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin for 2026. The Atlantic season runs June 1 to November 30. NOAA predicts a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency predicts a total of 8-14 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, it forecasts 3-6 will become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher). That includes 1-3 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher).
An average season has 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges. If the 2026 North Atlantic hurricane season ends up below-normal, it would mark only the second season in the last decade without above-normal activity. Since the current Atlantic high-activity era began in 1995, 22 of 31 (about 70%) seasons have had above-normal activity. Only 5 (17%) and 4 (14%) have had near- and below-normal activity, respectively. That’s based on the 1951-2020 climatology.
Also, 10 (almost half) of the above-normal years (thus 32% of the 31 years) have been hyperactive (ACE of 165% of median).
Key Factors Driving NOAA’s Forecast
NOAA based its below-normal predictions on competing factors.
El Niño should develop and intensify during the hurricane season. This creates wind shear in the Atlantic which discourages hurricane formation.
Atlantic ocean temperatures should range slightly warmer than normal
Trade winds will likely be weaker than average.
El Niño conditions tend to support fewer tropical storms and hurricanes, while warmer ocean temperatures and low winds support a more active year.
“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now.”
“It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”
National Weather Service Director Ken Graham
Below are the storm names for 2026.
Not a Landfall Forecast
NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity based on large-scale weather and climate patterns. It does not indicate where or when any storms may affect land. That is determined by short-term and variable weather patterns. This is not a landfall forecast.
Importance of Preparation
“Preparing now for hurricane season — and not waiting for a storm to threaten — is essential for staying ahead of any storm. Visit weather.gov/safety and Ready.gov for important preparedness information,” added Graham.
New, Enhanced Communication Products This Season
“NOAA’s rapid integration of advanced technology, including AI-based weather models, drones, and next-generation satellite data will deliver actionable science to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the American people,” said NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs, Ph.D. “These new capabilities will produce the most accurate forecasts possible to protect communities in harm’s way.”
NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) will implement an improved version of the tropical cyclone forecast cone graphic that will now include tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings for inland areas for the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
NHC will begin testing an experimental version of the tropical cyclone track forecast cone that will capture a greater range of possibilities for the track of the storm by incorporating uncertainties for both direction of movement and timing.
Advancements to Hurricane Analysis and Forecasts
Advances are not just in communication:
NOAA, in collaboration with the Unified Forecast System community, is testing an experimental high-resolution Seasonal Forecast System that utilizes the latest modeling technology and new methods to assess the evolution of the global ocean-atmosphere system. The system is helping forecasters better simulate tropical storms and hurricanes, and more effectively predict the number of hurricanes and major hurricanes.
NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is using machine learning to quality-control data collected from tail Doppler radar — a specialized radar system mounted on the back of NOAA’s “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft. This new method gathers more than 25% more meteorological data than the current method and leads to more high-quality data to support structure and wind analysis by forecasters.
New, Innovative Forecasting Technologies
NOAA’s Office of Water Prediction high-resolution Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) services provide emergency managers visualizations of those streets and neighborhoods likely to go underwater. FIM covers 60% of the U.S. population and will expand to nearly 100% by late September 2026.
The 2026 Atlantic seasonal outlook will be updated in early August, ahead of the historical peak of the season, which typically extends from mid-September through October.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/21/2026 based on information from NOAA and NWS
3187 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Atlantic-Hurricane-Outlook-PIE-CHART-ENGLISH.png?fit=1920%2C1080&ssl=110801920adminadmin2026-05-21 13:50:152026-05-21 13:52:05NOAA Predicts Below-Normal 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Northpark Surface Lanes across UPRR Tracks Virtually Complete
5/23/26 – Earlier this week, contractors for the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 10 finished paving the surface lanes across the UnionPacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks. Two surface lanes both east- and westbound will border the bridge being built over the tracks and Loop 494. They will provide turning capabilities at the intersection as well as access to local businesses.
All that remains to be paved is a narrow strip just a few feet wide adjacent to the tracks (see above). The strips will be paved after crossing gates and traffic signals are installed and coordinated with other railroad crossings up and down the tracks.
That means the only unpaved section of roadway in Phase I (not counting the bridge) is a tiny section in front of the dry cleaners on the west side of Loop 494 (see below). Light poles were finally cleared out of there this week and paving was scheduled for today. However, heavy rains disrupted that.
Elsewhere along Phase I:
The last major item, construction of the bridge, will pick back up when the new surface lanes become operational and traffic can be moved out of the center lanes.
See pictures below.
Photos Taken May 16-23
Four traffic officers kept traffic moving smoothly during the change of signals.
The concrete junction boxes staged lower center/right of the image above will connect drainage across Northpark under the old roadway once traffic switches from the center to the new feeder roads.
Street Light Installation
Street light foundations usually consist of an 8’ deep concrete column. Contractors use an auger to bore the hole. Then they install rebar and pour concrete. The process goes quickly.
However, due to right-of-way constraints, Northpark has six locations where storm water laterals run approximately four feet below grade behind the curb. So, typical street light foundations won’t have enough clearance. Instead, they use “spread-foot foundations” at those locations.
Spread-foot foundations run parallel to grade, horizontally instead of vertically. If you look at the image below, you will see most of the foundation will be underneath the adjacent sidewalk.
Majority of the street light foundations on Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive between Bagby and Shepherd Drive are spread foot.
A Look Ahead at Bridge Construction
I asked Project Manage Ralph De Leon when he expected bridge construction to pick back up. He replied, “As soon as the feeder roads are open +/- June 23rd. Ford, Knox, Royal Crossing and Northpark are interconnected. All four intersections have been updated, and the testing is currently underway. All four have to be operational before UPRR will let us open the Northpark feeder roads.”
For More Information
For more information, search this website using the key word “Northpark,” visit the project pages at LakeHoustonRA.com. Or consult this 3-week lookahead schedule.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/23/26
3189 Days since Hurricane Harvey
TWDB Awarding $312 Million for Flood Infrastructure Projects
5/22/2026 – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is kicking off another round of funding for Flood Infrastructure Projects. $312 million is available for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Who Can Apply for What
Texas Cities, Counties and Districts/Authorities are eligible to apply for grants or 0%-interest loans. Four types of projects qualify:
The New Plan for How Money Will Be Distributed
TWDB has published an “Intended Use Plan” describing how the money will be allocated. It includes a detailed scoring matrix for prioritizing projects. The Board will accept public comments on the plan and the matrix until Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:59PM CDT.
Application for funding happens in two stages to make things easier. Applicants submit an abridged application for prioritizing proposed projects. The highest ranking projects will then be invited to submit full applications.
This year’s Intended Use Plan makes nine key changes compared to previous years.
For More Information
See the full 23-page Draft Intended Use Plan for all the details.
Also see the new prioritization index for planning cycle and how to submit a Public Comment.
Finally this TWDB page contains information regarding everything having to do with the Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund. It includes examples of previously submitted/approved projects, a project dashboard, instructions on how to apply for grants and much more.
To date, TWDB has committed more than $832 million to Texas flood infrastructure projects.
Local Project Now in Construction
A key to the success of projects within the San Jacinto River Basin is working with the San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group. Timothy E. Buscha is currently the chair. Buscha said recently, “What we’re hoping for is a more streamlined way to get money to the projects that need it most.” And the first step? “We’re trying to get people to get a project into the system so that they’re eligible.”
Eventually that money works its way back down to communities where it can do some good. For instance, the Taylor Gully project, which just started construction in Kingwood, is a beneficiary of more than $10 million of Flood Infrastructure Funding, according to the TWDB dashboard.
Like most large infrastructure projects, funding came from a number of sources. In this case, it came from TWDB, the 2018 Bond Program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Texas General Land Office, and the EPA. Congressman Dan Crenshaw was instrumental in securing the funding from HUD and EPA.
So, don’t sit back and wait for projects to come to you. Advocate for them. Get with your local officials while the getting is good.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/22/2026
3188 Days since Hurricane Harvey
NOAA Predicts Below-Normal 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season
5/21/2026 – Forecasters with NOAA’s National Weather Service predict a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin for 2026. The Atlantic season runs June 1 to November 30. NOAA predicts a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency predicts a total of 8-14 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, it forecasts 3-6 will become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher). That includes 1-3 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher).
An average season has 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges. If the 2026 North Atlantic hurricane season ends up below-normal, it would mark only the second season in the last decade without above-normal activity. Since the current Atlantic high-activity era began in 1995, 22 of 31 (about 70%) seasons have had above-normal activity. Only 5 (17%) and 4 (14%) have had near- and below-normal activity, respectively. That’s based on the 1951-2020 climatology.
Also, 10 (almost half) of the above-normal years (thus 32% of the 31 years) have been hyperactive (ACE of 165% of median).
Key Factors Driving NOAA’s Forecast
NOAA based its below-normal predictions on competing factors.
El Niño conditions tend to support fewer tropical storms and hurricanes, while warmer ocean temperatures and low winds support a more active year.
“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now.”
Below are the storm names for 2026.
Not a Landfall Forecast
NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity based on large-scale weather and climate patterns. It does not indicate where or when any storms may affect land. That is determined by short-term and variable weather patterns. This is not a landfall forecast.
Importance of Preparation
“Preparing now for hurricane season — and not waiting for a storm to threaten — is essential for staying ahead of any storm. Visit weather.gov/safety and Ready.gov for important preparedness information,” added Graham.
New, Enhanced Communication Products This Season
“NOAA’s rapid integration of advanced technology, including AI-based weather models, drones, and next-generation satellite data will deliver actionable science to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the American people,” said NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs, Ph.D. “These new capabilities will produce the most accurate forecasts possible to protect communities in harm’s way.”
Advancements to Hurricane Analysis and Forecasts
Advances are not just in communication:
New, Innovative Forecasting Technologies
The 2026 Atlantic seasonal outlook will be updated in early August, ahead of the historical peak of the season, which typically extends from mid-September through October.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/21/2026 based on information from NOAA and NWS
3187 Days since Hurricane Harvey