USGS Crews Measure Flooding in Central and Southeast Texas
U.S. Geological Survey field crews are measuring flooding in parts of central and southeast Texas following intense rainfall.
Record rains have led to significant flooding around the Houston area, causing fatalities and more than 1,000 high-water rescues.
Eight USGS crews are measuring high flood flows and verifying streamgage operations on the Brays Bayou, Sims Bayou, Greens Bayou, White Oak Bayou, Cypress Creek and Spring Creek streams. Preliminary data show record flood peaks were measured this morning on several tributaries to the San Jacinto River, including Spring Creek, Cypress Creek and Willow Creek. In central Texas, the Colorado and Brazos River Basins are reaching flood levels and are continuing to rise.
New innovative tools are now available that provide real-time streamflow, groundwater, lake levels, weather and flood predictions for Texas in one place. The USGS Texas Water Dashboard and accompanying Twitter feeds (@USGS_TexasFlood and @USGS_TexasRain) are available at your fingertips on your desktop, smartphone, or other mobile device to quickly provide water information for your area.
USGS crews will keep tracking the movement of the floodwaters as rains continue and the water moves downstream. This information is critical for resource managers and emergency responders to help protect life and property. The USGS has coordinated efforts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Weather Service, Harris County Flood Control District, Lower Colorado River Authority and several other local and state partners.
There are more than 650 USGS-operated streamgages in Texas that measure water levels, streamflow and rainfall. When flooding occurs, USGS crews make numerous discharge measurements to verify the data USGS provides to federal, state and local agencies, as well as to the public.
For more than 125 years, the USGS has monitored flow in selected streams and rivers across the United States. The information is routinely used for water supply and management, monitoring floods and droughts, bridge and road design, determination of flood risk and for many recreational activities. Access current flood and high flow conditions across the country by visiting the USGS WaterWatch website. Receive instant, customized updates about water conditions in your area via text message or email by signing up for USGS WaterAlert. See where floodwaters go by following a stream trace atStreamer. View water data on your mobile device. Learn how a USGS streamgage works.
