Expect heavy rains Wednesday night into Thursday – New Year’s Eve morning – as two powerful storm systems collide over Texas this week. One front will dip down from Canada, then another from California will ride up over it producing a variety of threats.
Predicted accumulations for the next 7 days. Chances of rain will increase on Wednesday and peak Wednesday night at 90%. Chances of rain will decrease on Thursday, New Year’s Eve, but peak at 70%.
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center predicts a marginal risk of severe storms, damaging winds and tornadoes for areas west of I-45. However, the threat from heavy rains will be more widespread. Slow-moving or training showers and thunderstorms will produce 1-2 inches for the entire region and 3-4 inches in isolated locations. One normally conservative forecaster predicts up to 5 inches. North Texas will have it worse.
Impact on Lake Houston Area
In the Houston area, the most rainfall will be east of I-45 and north of I-10 or across the region’s northeast counties.
Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist
Minor Flooding Possible
Most area streams should be able to handle the heavy rains. However, Lindner, says area watersheds could swell. He blames higher than normal run-off due to low evaporation rates and dead/dormant vegetation. The National Weather Service predicts this may result in minor flooding of low lying, poorly-drained areas.
Holiday travel may be impacted if and where accumulations occur. Take note, especially if you’ve been visiting families in north or central Texas.
How Fronts Will Interact
The strong cold front should be off the coast by Thursday morning. However the Pacific front will lift lots of moisture over the incoming cold air mass. The cooling caused by the rising air (advection) will trigger precipitation. Lindner says areas from northwest of a line between Columbus to Huntsville may see rain mixed with sleet/snow.
Space City Weather predicts potential for heavy storms on Wednesday and Wednesday night with much of the area receiving 2 to 3 inches of rainfall. “We cannot entirely rule out this precipitation turning into a wintry mix north of Houston later on Thursday,” says the popular, normally conservative service. They say they can’t rule out a few isolated areas with 5 inches. They also note that forecast certainty will improve by Tuesday, as higher-resolution models come into play.
NWS predicts cooler and drier conditions Friday through the first weekend of the new year.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/28/2020
1217 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/p168i-1.gif?fit=800%2C561&ssl=1561800adminadmin2020-12-28 13:08:522020-12-28 13:18:33Widespread Heavy Rains Predicted Later This Week; Minor Flooding Possible
Andy Li and Kelly Schafler reported in Community Impact that Harris County Precinct 4 should begin construction on Phase 1 of Edgewater Park by mid-2021. Phase 1 includes a 19-acre park, parking lot, boat launch, fish-cleaning station, restroom, concession building, and detention pond. Cost: $2.3 million. Location: Between Hamblen Road and the San Jacinto West Fork, immediately east of US59. See below.
Looking north at the future site of Edgewater Park from over the San Jacinto West Fork and the new UP Railroad Bridge. US59 on left.Looking South at Phase 1 of the future Edgewater Park. US59 on right. Hamblen Road in foreground. Humble in background.
Related Projects
Phase 2 will include the cypress ponds north of Hamblen and east of Phase 1. It also includes a potential reroute of Hamblen Road to unsnarl traffic and avoid
The park will provide a second boat launch in the Humble/Kingwood Area that will be open to the public. KSA’s boat launch at River Grove Park is open only to Kingwood residents with K-Stickers.
Two hike and bike trails are also planned as part of improvements. The first trail will connect the Spring Creek Greenway on the south side of the West Fork with the Townsen Park ‘n Ride. The second will connect Edgewater Park with River Grove Park and the Kingwood Trail Network. The Houston Parks Board also hopes to begin work on the second trail in early 2021.
The old Bevil Jarrell Memorial Bridge will connect trails on both sides of the river.
Reasons for Delays
“Getting approvals for both the right of way and the design to continue the Spring Creek Greenway under the existing railroad bridge took much longer than anticipated,” said Dennis Johnston, Precinct 4 Parks Director.
The Harris County Precinct 4 Parks website already shows the park under construction, but I haven’t seen activity there since the County put up a fence two years ago. Here’s what the plans looked like in 2018 when the County announced the project.
Tentative plans for a new Edgewater Park at Hamblen Road and Loop 494
Posted by Bob Rehak on December 27, 2020
2016 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201227-DJI_0012.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=19001200adminadmin2020-12-27 14:47:232020-12-27 14:49:18Construction of Long-Awaited Edgewater Park to Begin in 2021
On December 17, 2020, Jason Webster and Kimberley Spurlock, lawyers for the plaintiffs in the 2019 Elm Grove lawsuits, added a ninth defendant in their eighth amended petition. The defendant is Storm Water Solutions, LLC at 16110 Hollister Street in Houston.
Complete List of Defendants
Defendants now include:
Developers:
Perry Homes, LLC
Figure Four Partners, LTD
PSWA, Inc.
Concourse Development, LLC
Contractors:
Rebel Contractors, Inc.
Double Oak Construction, Inc.
Texasite LLC
LJA Engineering, Inc.
Storm Water Solutions, LLC
Who Was Responsible for What and When
The eighth amended petition provides an overview of who allegedly did what and when, before Elm Grove flooded on May 7th and September 19th last year when water from Woodridge Village invaded Elm Grove and flooded up to 600 homes.
The developer defendants hired LJA, which had prepared the drainage plans for Woodridge Village, to prepare bid documents, plans and specifications, all of which required a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) for all potential contractors. The developer defendants and LJA, through the municipal utility district, hired Rebel, Double Oak, and Texasite. Rebel and Double Oak then obtained the necessary permits for the SWPPP.
Bombshell Allegations
Here’s where it gets interesting. Sometime after that, the developers hired Storm Water Solutions to implement the SWPPP. However, they allegedly told Rebel and Double Oak that they did not have to comply with the specifications in the SWPPP.
The southern part of Woodridge Village on May 9 from a drone.Elm Grove is on left. Note lack of any perimeter sediment controls.Screen capture from Jim Zura video.
One day after the May 7th flood, the developers hired Concourse to inspect the detention ponds on the development. Plaintiffs allege that Concourse did not advise the developer defendants to makes any changes. The plaintiffs also contend that ALL defendants failed to comply with the SWPPP. The TCEQ cited both Rebel and Double Oak for violations of their permits after the May 7th flood for failure to install sediment controls.
The suit alleges that the developer defendants failed to supervise and ensure Storm Water Solutions complied with the SWPPP.
Twin culverts at the county line were severely constricted by sediment after the May 7th flood.Note lack of sediment controls such as gabions (wire baskets filled with rock).
Specific Allegations against Storm Water Solutions in Lawsuit
Storm Water Solutions website claims the company provides “complete storm water regulatory compliance to land developers, commercial and residential builders, general contractors, and utility districts.”
But in Count 10, Paragraph 76, the suit charges Storm Water Solutions with Negligence, Negligence Per Se and Gross Negligence for both the May and September floods. Specifically, the alleged negligence includes failing to:
Create an adequate storm water pollution prevention plan;
Implement a storm water pollution prevention plan;
Comply or follow the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan;
Install reinforced filter fabric fences around the Development;
Install adequate reinforced filter fabric fences around the Development;
Comply with Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Construction General Permit No. TXR150000;
Supervise the Contractor Defendants’ compliance with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan;
Enforce the provisions of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan;
Enforce and/or implement the best management practices under the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan for the Development;
Implement the proper control measures on the Development;
Ensure a sedimentation basin was constructed at the Development;
Inspect the Development for failure to comply with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan;
Modify the best management practices after the May 7, 2019 occurrence;
Comply with the plans and specifications for the Development;
Pay proper attention;
Provide notice or warning; and,
Coordinate activities and/or conduct.
It also alleges they allowed:
Storm water runoff into Plaintiffs’ properties;
Discharge of storm water from the Development.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Requirements, Objectives
Will supervise and implement good housekeeping programs, such as site cleanup and disposal of trash and debris, hazardous material management and disposal, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and so on?
Will conduct routine inspections of the site to ensure all BMPs are being implemented and maintained?
Will maintain the BMPs?
Is responsible for documenting changes to the SWPPP?
Is responsible for communicating changes in the SWPPP to people working on the site?
State of the S2 detention pond on May 9, 2019.
Plan objectives typically include:
Site stabilization ASAP
Protecting slopes and channels
Promoting infiltration of stormwater
Controlling the perimeter of the site
Protecting receiving waters adjacent to the site (Taylor Gully)
Following pollution prevention measures.
Minimizing the area and duration of exposed soils.
The southern part of Woodridge Village on May 9from the ground.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/25/2020with thanks to Jim Zura
1214 Days after Hurricane Harvey and 461 since Imelda
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NotWetlands.jpg?fit=1500%2C835&ssl=18351500adminadmin2020-12-25 16:47:582020-12-25 16:48:02Webster, Spurlock Add Storm Water Solutions to Lawsuit for Elm Grove Plaintiffs
Widespread Heavy Rains Predicted Later This Week; Minor Flooding Possible
Expect heavy rains Wednesday night into Thursday – New Year’s Eve morning – as two powerful storm systems collide over Texas this week. One front will dip down from Canada, then another from California will ride up over it producing a variety of threats.
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center predicts a marginal risk of severe storms, damaging winds and tornadoes for areas west of I-45. However, the threat from heavy rains will be more widespread. Slow-moving or training showers and thunderstorms will produce 1-2 inches for the entire region and 3-4 inches in isolated locations. One normally conservative forecaster predicts up to 5 inches. North Texas will have it worse.
Impact on Lake Houston Area
Minor Flooding Possible
Most area streams should be able to handle the heavy rains. However, Lindner, says area watersheds could swell. He blames higher than normal run-off due to low evaporation rates and dead/dormant vegetation. The National Weather Service predicts this may result in minor flooding of low lying, poorly-drained areas.
Holiday travel may be impacted if and where accumulations occur. Take note, especially if you’ve been visiting families in north or central Texas.
How Fronts Will Interact
The strong cold front should be off the coast by Thursday morning. However the Pacific front will lift lots of moisture over the incoming cold air mass. The cooling caused by the rising air (advection) will trigger precipitation. Lindner says areas from northwest of a line between Columbus to Huntsville may see rain mixed with sleet/snow.
Space City Weather predicts potential for heavy storms on Wednesday and Wednesday night with much of the area receiving 2 to 3 inches of rainfall. “We cannot entirely rule out this precipitation turning into a wintry mix north of Houston later on Thursday,” says the popular, normally conservative service. They say they can’t rule out a few isolated areas with 5 inches. They also note that forecast certainty will improve by Tuesday, as higher-resolution models come into play.
NWS predicts cooler and drier conditions Friday through the first weekend of the new year.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/28/2020
1217 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Construction of Long-Awaited Edgewater Park to Begin in 2021
Andy Li and Kelly Schafler reported in Community Impact that Harris County Precinct 4 should begin construction on Phase 1 of Edgewater Park by mid-2021. Phase 1 includes a 19-acre park, parking lot, boat launch, fish-cleaning station, restroom, concession building, and detention pond. Cost: $2.3 million. Location: Between Hamblen Road and the San Jacinto West Fork, immediately east of US59. See below.
Related Projects
Phase 2 will include the cypress ponds north of Hamblen and east of Phase 1. It also includes a potential reroute of Hamblen Road to unsnarl traffic and avoid
The park will provide a second boat launch in the Humble/Kingwood Area that will be open to the public. KSA’s boat launch at River Grove Park is open only to Kingwood residents with K-Stickers.
Two hike and bike trails are also planned as part of improvements. The first trail will connect the Spring Creek Greenway on the south side of the West Fork with the Townsen Park ‘n Ride. The second will connect Edgewater Park with River Grove Park and the Kingwood Trail Network. The Houston Parks Board also hopes to begin work on the second trail in early 2021.
The old Bevil Jarrell Memorial Bridge will connect trails on both sides of the river.
Reasons for Delays
“Getting approvals for both the right of way and the design to continue the Spring Creek Greenway under the existing railroad bridge took much longer than anticipated,” said Dennis Johnston, Precinct 4 Parks Director.
Back in October 2018, I reported that the County hoped to begin construction of the park in 2019. However, construction of the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge, permitting, and buyouts of the Riverview Townhomes in Forest Cove have all taken much longer than expected.
The Harris County Precinct 4 Parks website already shows the park under construction, but I haven’t seen activity there since the County put up a fence two years ago. Here’s what the plans looked like in 2018 when the County announced the project.
Posted by Bob Rehak on December 27, 2020
2016 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Webster, Spurlock Add Storm Water Solutions to Lawsuit for Elm Grove Plaintiffs
On December 17, 2020, Jason Webster and Kimberley Spurlock, lawyers for the plaintiffs in the 2019 Elm Grove lawsuits, added a ninth defendant in their eighth amended petition. The defendant is Storm Water Solutions, LLC at 16110 Hollister Street in Houston.
Complete List of Defendants
Defendants now include:
Who Was Responsible for What and When
The eighth amended petition provides an overview of who allegedly did what and when, before Elm Grove flooded on May 7th and September 19th last year when water from Woodridge Village invaded Elm Grove and flooded up to 600 homes.
The developer defendants hired LJA, which had prepared the drainage plans for Woodridge Village, to prepare bid documents, plans and specifications, all of which required a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) for all potential contractors. The developer defendants and LJA, through the municipal utility district, hired Rebel, Double Oak, and Texasite. Rebel and Double Oak then obtained the necessary permits for the SWPPP.
Bombshell Allegations
Here’s where it gets interesting. Sometime after that, the developers hired Storm Water Solutions to implement the SWPPP. However, they allegedly told Rebel and Double Oak that they did not have to comply with the specifications in the SWPPP.
One day after the May 7th flood, the developers hired Concourse to inspect the detention ponds on the development. Plaintiffs allege that Concourse did not advise the developer defendants to makes any changes. The plaintiffs also contend that ALL defendants failed to comply with the SWPPP. The TCEQ cited both Rebel and Double Oak for violations of their permits after the May 7th flood for failure to install sediment controls.
The suit alleges that the developer defendants failed to supervise and ensure Storm Water Solutions complied with the SWPPP.
Specific Allegations against Storm Water Solutions in Lawsuit
Storm Water Solutions website claims the company provides “complete storm water regulatory compliance to land developers, commercial and residential builders, general contractors, and utility districts.”
But in Count 10, Paragraph 76, the suit charges Storm Water Solutions with Negligence, Negligence Per Se and Gross Negligence for both the May and September floods. Specifically, the alleged negligence includes failing to:
It also alleges they allowed:
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Requirements, Objectives
The EPA provides this easy to follow document about what a SWPPP should include. SWPPP requirements include a site map, description of pollutant sources, controls to reduce pollutants, and maintenance and inspection procedures. Plans should also describe who:
Plan objectives typically include:
For the complete text of the Eighth Amended Petition, click here.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/25/2020 with thanks to Jim Zura
1214 Days after Hurricane Harvey and 461 since Imelda
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.