This morning, local videographer Jim Zura took his drone down to River Grove Park and photographed the Romerica property flooding for the seventh time in 14 months. It proves that there’s a developer born every minute!
The history of this land involves half a dozen different developers, each with big dreams, determined to get rich in that promised land between buying low and selling high. Ultimately, though, they end up selling to another starry-eyed developer after reality sets in.
Investing $5 billion in a floodway that carries 240,000 cubic feet per second! That’s Brooklyn-Bridge smart. Expecting 15,000 condo buyers to wade into the wacky dream with you? It would be easier to sell high rises at the end of an airport runway.
Might be time to cut your losses, Mr. Haddad. Just sayin’. All those high priced consultants will be happy to keep selling you hope as long as you’re paying them.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/8/19
617 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post are my opinions on matters of public policy and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Screen-Shot-2019-05-08-at-9.54.33-PM-copy.jpg?fit=1500%2C870&ssl=18701500adminadmin2019-05-08 21:59:412019-05-08 22:11:20There’s a Developer Born Every Minute!
Multiple news outlets are reporting that 400 homes flooded in the Kingwood area yesterday due to street and ditch flooding. Street flooding happens when the RAINFALL RATE exceeds the DRAINAGE CAPACITY of storm sewers. Water backs up into streets where it waits until the input and output balance. But when drains are blocked by downed tree limbs, yard waste, and other debris water backs up even higher into homes as it did last night.
Flooded home in Elm Grove
Please Help Clear Drains of Debris
Matt Zeve, Deputy Executive Director of Harris County Flood Control, reminds everyone that, “All citizens have a responsibility to keep their storm sewer inlets and roadside ditches clear of yard debris, trash, and other items that can cause clogging. The City of Houston and Flood Control are not able to police every single ditch and storm sewer inlet out there. We are all in this together.”
It could be your house that you save from flooding in the next rain.
How to Report Debris in Ditches
Some debris will be beyond the capability of homeowners to clear, especially in creeks and drainage ditches. For instance, see the picture below.
Tree down in Ben’s Branch. Photo taken from Tree Lane just east of Bear Branch Elementary.
Clearing such blockages will take professionals with chain saws and lifting equipment.
Call Harris County Flood Control at 713-684-4197 to report these types of issues. Please make sure you know the closest cross streets.
City of Houston Also Requests Your Help in Clearing Drains
Dave Martin, Houston City Council Member said, “This morning, I asked the Mayor, and he agreed, like we did in December 2017 AFTER Harvey…in those flooded/affected areas, we will send cameras down the storm drains and sewers to see if there is any blockage. If there is, we will remediate.”
Martin continued, “We are also ‘re-engineering’ our ‘Adopt a Drain’ program which calls for our Residents to adopt a drain/storm sewer in their neighborhood, and periodically check the siltation/trash/clogging/buildup in THEIR drain.
More Rain on Way
At the start of the week, the National Weather Service forecasted 7-10 inches of rain for the week. Yesterday, when a storm stalled over Kingwood, we got that much in one afternoon. And more IS on the way.
NOAARadar as of noon on Wednesday, 5/8/19.
Today’s Forecast from Flood Control
The next upper level disturbance is already moving into central Texas. The majority of the heavy rainfall should stay to our north today, but our area could certainly see rainfall this afternoon that could result in additional flooding, especially if it falls on areas that were hard hit on Tuesday.
Additionally there is a higher severe weather risk this afternoon especially north of I-10 where large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes will be possible.
Forecast Thursday-Saturday:
Several complexes and clusters of storms can be expected through the period each capable of dropping multiple inches of rainfall. Expect a moderate risk of flash flooding both Thursday and Friday.
Additional Rainfall Amounts
Widespread rainfall of 5-8 inches with isolated totals of 9-12 inches will be possible today through Saturday. While these totals are spread over a 3 day period, much of what falls will likely fall in bursts with each cluster of storms. Air mass remains very much capable of intense rainfall rates as observed yesterday. Hourly rainfall rates of 2-4 inches per hour will remain possible which will quickly result in urban flash flooding and significant street flooding.
River Report
Grounds are saturated and any additional rainfall…especially in areas that saw heavy rains on Tuesday…is going to run directly into creek, bayous, and rivers that area already highly elevated. If the rainfall forecast does indeed verify, flooding of creeks and bayous in Harris County is certainly possible along with house flooding.
While several creeks and bayous are elevated, all are receding at this time including both the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto River.
Flash Flood Outlook For Wednesday
Flash Flood Outlook For Wednesday
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/8/19 at noon
617 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/pine-at-tree-lane-2.jpg?fit=1080%2C810&ssl=18101080adminadmin2019-05-08 12:48:512019-05-08 19:38:08Clear Debris from Drains Before Next Wave of Rain Hits
My friend, John Knoerzer, owner of Uniserve Air Conditioning, sent me this video from East End Park around sunset tonight. It shows the East Fork of the San Jacinto River has already come out of its banks. This was at about 6:22 p.m. Tuesday.
Even Gus the Poodle knows to stay away from the raging East Fork. Shown here: the North Loop Trail in East End Park.
I have no pictures from the West Fork, so this graph will have to do. It shows that the West Fork at US59 is already out of its banks and in the moderate flooding stage.
Flash Flood Watch Extended to 2AM Wednesday
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Watch for Houston until 2 a.m. Wednesday. This means conditions are favorable for flooding to occur. A nearly stationary weak boundary is focusing training showers and thunderstorms across the watch area. Very heavy rainfall is occurring in a short time period, which can cause flooding of streets, creeks and bayous. With the loss of daytime heating, precipitation should begin to gradually weaken as we head into the overnight hours.
Said Jeff Lindner of Harris County Flood Control, “Rainfall amounts of 5-9 inches occurred this afternoon over NE Harris County in the Kingwood/Humble area resulting in significant street flooding. Water is taking time to go down due to the large volume of water that fell in such a short period of time.”
Areas under flash flood watch as of 8:30PM Tuesday night.
Romerica Land Going Under for 7th Time in 14 Months
Be Prepared. People should bring their pets inside and delay travel or outdoor activities during periods of heavy rainfall. If travel is unavoidable, reduce your speed to avoid hydroplaning. If a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area, DO NOT travel.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown®: Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see water covering the road, do not attempt to cross it. Only a few inches of water can float a vehicle . If you find yourself in a dangerous situation where your vehicle is taking on water, get out of the vehicle, get to a higher position, and call 911.
Monitor Official Sources for Current Information: Harris County Flood Warning System (harriscountyfws.org), Houston TranStar (houstontranstar.org), and the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston Forecast Office (weather.gov/hgx).
Monitor Stream, Bayou, and Creek Conditions: Rain may move repeatedly across the same area, causing creeks and bayous to rise and possibly exceed their banks. Stay informed of current conditions and avoid traveling near creeks and bayous.
Avoid Traveling during Periods of Heavy Rain: Rain can reduce visibility and prevent you from seeing the road ahead, which could lead to accidents.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/7/19 at 8:30 PM
616 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/East-Fork-Out-of-Banks.jpg?fit=1500%2C1003&ssl=110031500adminadmin2019-05-07 20:35:202019-05-07 20:56:46East and West Forks Out of Banks Already, Flash Flood Watch Extended to 2 a.m. Wednesday
There’s a Developer Born Every Minute!
This morning, local videographer Jim Zura took his drone down to River Grove Park and photographed the Romerica property flooding for the seventh time in 14 months. It proves that there’s a developer born every minute!
The history of this land involves half a dozen different developers, each with big dreams, determined to get rich in that promised land between buying low and selling high. Ultimately, though, they end up selling to another starry-eyed developer after reality sets in.
For the most recent owner, Romerica Investments, that reality includes waking up to find that your property was under 22 feet of water during Harvey and floods repeatedly.
Also, in the “Gee-what-were-they-thinking-department,” you would have to include the fact that FEMA will soon reclassify the property in the floodway – before Romerica can obtain a permit from the Army Corps.
At what point to you admit to yourself that there is no way out?
Investing $5 billion in a floodway that carries 240,000 cubic feet per second! That’s Brooklyn-Bridge smart. Expecting 15,000 condo buyers to wade into the wacky dream with you? It would be easier to sell high rises at the end of an airport runway.
Might be time to cut your losses, Mr. Haddad. Just sayin’. All those high priced consultants will be happy to keep selling you hope as long as you’re paying them.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/8/19
617 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post are my opinions on matters of public policy and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP statute of the Great State of Texas.
Clear Debris from Drains Before Next Wave of Rain Hits
Multiple news outlets are reporting that 400 homes flooded in the Kingwood area yesterday due to street and ditch flooding. Street flooding happens when the RAINFALL RATE exceeds the DRAINAGE CAPACITY of storm sewers. Water backs up into streets where it waits until the input and output balance. But when drains are blocked by downed tree limbs, yard waste, and other debris water backs up even higher into homes as it did last night.
Please Help Clear Drains of Debris
Matt Zeve, Deputy Executive Director of Harris County Flood Control, reminds everyone that, “All citizens have a responsibility to keep their storm sewer inlets and roadside ditches clear of yard debris, trash, and other items that can cause clogging. The City of Houston and Flood Control are not able to police every single ditch and storm sewer inlet out there. We are all in this together.”
It could be your house that you save from flooding in the next rain.
How to Report Debris in Ditches
Some debris will be beyond the capability of homeowners to clear, especially in creeks and drainage ditches. For instance, see the picture below.
Clearing such blockages will take professionals with chain saws and lifting equipment.
You can also contact flood control via the web.
City of Houston Also Requests Your Help in Clearing Drains
Dave Martin, Houston City Council Member said, “This morning, I asked the Mayor, and he agreed, like we did in December 2017 AFTER Harvey…in those flooded/affected areas, we will send cameras down the storm drains and sewers to see if there is any blockage. If there is, we will remediate.”
More Rain on Way
At the start of the week, the National Weather Service forecasted 7-10 inches of rain for the week. Yesterday, when a storm stalled over Kingwood, we got that much in one afternoon. And more IS on the way.
Today’s Forecast from Flood Control
The next upper level disturbance is already moving into central Texas. The majority of the heavy rainfall should stay to our north today, but our area could certainly see rainfall this afternoon that could result in additional flooding, especially if it falls on areas that were hard hit on Tuesday.
Forecast Thursday-Saturday:
Several complexes and clusters of storms can be expected through the period each capable of dropping multiple inches of rainfall. Expect a moderate risk of flash flooding both Thursday and Friday.
Additional Rainfall Amounts
Widespread rainfall of 5-8 inches with isolated totals of 9-12 inches will be possible today through Saturday. While these totals are spread over a 3 day period, much of what falls will likely fall in bursts with each cluster of storms. Air mass remains very much capable of intense rainfall rates as observed yesterday. Hourly rainfall rates of 2-4 inches per hour will remain possible which will quickly result in urban flash flooding and significant street flooding.
River Report
Grounds are saturated and any additional rainfall…especially in areas that saw heavy rains on Tuesday…is going to run directly into creek, bayous, and rivers that area already highly elevated. If the rainfall forecast does indeed verify, flooding of creeks and bayous in Harris County is certainly possible along with house flooding.
While several creeks and bayous are elevated, all are receding at this time including both the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto River.
Flash Flood Outlook For Wednesday
Flash Flood Outlook For Wednesday
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/8/19 at noon
617 Days since Hurricane Harvey
East and West Forks Out of Banks Already, Flash Flood Watch Extended to 2 a.m. Wednesday
My friend, John Knoerzer, owner of Uniserve Air Conditioning, sent me this video from East End Park around sunset tonight. It shows the East Fork of the San Jacinto River has already come out of its banks. This was at about 6:22 p.m. Tuesday.
I have no pictures from the West Fork, so this graph will have to do. It shows that the West Fork at US59 is already out of its banks and in the moderate flooding stage.
Flash Flood Watch Extended to 2AM Wednesday
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Watch for Houston until 2 a.m. Wednesday. This means conditions are favorable for flooding to occur. A nearly stationary weak boundary is focusing training showers and thunderstorms across the watch area. Very heavy rainfall is occurring in a short time period, which can cause flooding of streets, creeks and bayous. With the loss of daytime heating, precipitation should begin to gradually weaken as we head into the overnight hours.
Said Jeff Lindner of Harris County Flood Control, “Rainfall amounts of 5-9 inches occurred this afternoon over NE Harris County in the Kingwood/Humble area resulting in significant street flooding. Water is taking time to go down due to the large volume of water that fell in such a short period of time.”
Romerica Land Going Under for 7th Time in 14 Months
Harris County’s Real Time Inundation Mapping System shows that the area below the Barrington where Romerica hopes to build it’s residential, commercial and hotel high rises is largely under water as of this writing. That will make the seventh flood in the last 14 months. At times like these, I wish people, i.e., developers with dreams, would learn to listen to nature.
Take Protective Action
Be Prepared. People should bring their pets inside and delay travel or outdoor activities during periods of heavy rainfall. If travel is unavoidable, reduce your speed to avoid hydroplaning. If a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area, DO NOT travel.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown®: Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see water covering the road, do not attempt to cross it. Only a few inches of water can float a vehicle . If you find yourself in a dangerous situation where your vehicle is taking on water, get out of the vehicle, get to a higher position, and call 911.
Monitor Official Sources for Current Information: Harris County Flood Warning System (harriscountyfws.org), Houston TranStar (houstontranstar.org), and the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston Forecast Office (weather.gov/hgx).
Monitor Stream, Bayou, and Creek Conditions: Rain may move repeatedly across the same area, causing creeks and bayous to rise and possibly exceed their banks. Stay informed of current conditions and avoid traveling near creeks and bayous.
Avoid Traveling during Periods of Heavy Rain: Rain can reduce visibility and prevent you from seeing the road ahead, which could lead to accidents.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/7/19 at 8:30 PM
616 Days since Hurricane Harvey