FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (Reuters) — Mandatory evacuations were ordered on Tuesday (May 31) along the swollen Brazos River in Texas ahead of what could be the worst flooding in more than 100 years after at least six people died.
Forecasters predicted more rain as the Brazos rose to levels not seen in 103 years after heavy rainfall late last week and was expected to crest at about 53 feet (17.6 meters) on Tuesday, according to emergency officials in Fort Bend County, located southwest of Houston.
Jeff Braun, director of the Fort Bend County emergency management office, said many parts of the county would experience water levels “not seen in our lifetime.”
Dozens of people have been rescued from cars and homes in the past 24 hours, according to the agency’s website.
The storm system dumped up to 22 inches (56 cm) of rain in just a few hours, killed at least six people last week, according to local authorities.
In Simonton, Texas, in Fort Bend County, officials provided transportation to help residents leave their homes as well as security to prevent looting.
The American Red Cross opened additional shelters in the Houston area.
News helicopter video showed large numbers of large number of livestock stranded in record-setting floodwater in rural portions of Fort Bend County.
More than 20 inches (50.8 centimeters) of rain have fallen over some parts of southeast Texas during the last month, 8 to 10 inches above normal.
An area between the Texas cities of College Station and Houston received 17 inches (43 centimeters) in one extreme situation late last week, he said.
More rain is forecast this week, which could lead to additional flooding, the weather service said. Moderate and heavy rain will hit western and central Texas, then move east, drenching San Antonio, Austin and Houston on Wednesday and Thursday.
