Author: FBLID 11

Street ponding has subsided and made its way into the channels and lakes. The pump stations have been running since yesterday afternoon and water levels are beginning to drop in the channels. As of noon today we had managed to achieve an estimated 2.5-3’ of freeboard within the detention system. There are small amounts of debris and mud on some roadways as well as several stranded cars (approximately 5-7 that we are aware of). All roadways within the District are open with no standing water. We are continuing to pump and will do so until the water is completely pumped out. No unmet needs at this time. We have informed the City of Sugar Land of the situation.

With the severe weather and flooding events in our area, Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 11 would like to update you regarding the current status, as well as the steps being taken to protect the community. Our Emergency Action Plan is in place and will be followed accordingly. We are in regular contact and coordinating with the City of Sugar Land and Fort Bend County.

Greatwood experienced a substantial localized rain event, with several inches falling in a short amount of time. The District’s pumps are operational and have been for several hours. The storm sewer system was inundated with substantial water and it will take some time for the water to work through the system and recede. The pumps are continuing to pump water out of the District and will remain operational throughout this event. Please note the drainage system is designed to utilize streets as an additional detention in heavy rain events to minimize the risk of structural flooding. Please report high water on streets and roadways to the City of Sugar Land. Structural flooding should be reported to the City of Sugar Land at https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/114/Issue_7497?cookies=detect&noembed=1.

The Brazos River crested at elevation of 46.76 feet at the Richmond gauge. At that elevation, the levee has plenty of freeboard (extra height) available. Our operator, LMS, continues to inspect the District’s facilities including the levee, pump station and internal detention pond.

The National Weather Service is forecasting several additional inches of rain in the Fort Bend County area over the next few days. There could be isolated pockets of heavy rains. With this forecast, there will still be plenty of freeboard on the levee. Residents may see levels in the detention ponds and channels rise rapidly during these storm events. The channels and ponds are designed to store the water during these events. Additionally, ponding water in the streets is possible during these events as streets are utilized as additional detention when necessary. Please avoid driving through these areas if possible and remove all cars, containers and debris from sidewalks and streets. The water will slowly drop as the storm water pump station pumps this water into the Brazos River. Please report high water on streets and roadways to the City of Sugar Land.

For your safety, please do not stop on any bridges over the Brazos River to look at the flooding, walk or drive through high water. Look out for dangerous wildlife that has been displaced due to the floods: snakes, fire ants, etc. Do not approach any wildlife that may be in the area.

Please continue to check the websites of the City of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management and the District for up-to-date information.