Houston flood latest: Millions under THREAT from Texas to Arkansas as floods hit USA

After a week of heavy rain, yet more is forecast across the Texas and Arkansas areas, triggering potential flash flooding. According to CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen, nearly 20 million people were at risk of flooding at one stage, from southeast Texas through much of Louisiana and into southern Arkansas. For the Houston Metro area, heavy rainfall is forecast for the coming days and a flash flood warning is currently in place for several counties across the state.

Jeff Lindner, a meteorologist with the Harris County Flood Control District told CNN: “If you don’t have to go out this morning don’t go.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood warning for the following areas:

• Northwestern Galveston County in southeastern Texas
• Central Fort Bend County in southeastern Texas
• Southern Montgomery County in southeastern Texas
• North central Brazoria County in southeastern Texas
• West central Chambers County in southeastern Texas
• Harris County in southeastern Texas

These warnings remained in place until Until 10.30am local time (4.30pm BST).

The NWS warns that ongoing flooding of streets, creeks and bayous continue across the area.

Rainfall intensity has decreased but water will be slow to recede. Do not drive into flooded roadways.

Areas that will experience flooding include:

Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, Baytown, Missouri City, Texas City, Friendswood, La Porte, Deer Park, Rosenberg, Alvin, Dickinson, Stafford, South Houston, Bellaire, Humble, West University Place, Seabrook and Richmond.

According to Accuweather, all of the Houston Independent School District and offices are closed due to flooding.

The weather service added: ”Soils are already saturated across the region, which includes the Houston metro area, and additional rains will only exacerbate flooding concerns.”

The forecasters said the greatest concern is from east and southeast Texas into parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.

Farther west along the coast, The Galveston/Scholes Field Airport received nearly 3 inches of rain in one hour Thursday night, with 2.14 inches of rain falling in a span of just 32 minutes according to Accuweather.

On Tuesday, Houston was battered by large hail, gusty winds and flooding downpours, with as much as three to 10 inches of rain falling across the city.

The hail was reported to be baseball sized, with residents reporting damage to cars and homes on social media.

Emergency services responded to dozens of water rescues as cars became trapped under rising floodwaters.

Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña warned: “As the grounds are saturated, these are perfect conditions for flash floods, so we encourage people to just be cautious of what they’re doing and encourage them to stay home.

“There’s no sense in putting yourself, first responders, firefighters or anybody in danger needlessly.”