Richmond, TX -The Brazos River is full and it’s forecast to get even more full. If the river follows the forecast it will reach 50 feet, a mere 4 inches shy of the record set in 1994. Damage in 1994 was extensive, but Fort Bend County has more than doubled in population since then, making this event potentially very serious.
The Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Center went to a a full Level 1 activation today at 2:00 P.M. “We are going to get every resource we can to help with this situation,” says Jeff Braun, Emergency Management Coordinator. “We have engaged our jurisdictions, the Red Cross, and county departments to prepare for response activities.” The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management, under direction by County Judge Robert Hebert, had created a page on their website dedicated to Flooding Updates, including a map of current areas of concern along the Brazos River.
It is important that residents who live in a levee management district know that the districts are responsible for maintaining the levees, and at this time all levee companies are reporting that the levees are functioning as intended.
“We are coordinating with county departments and jurisdictions to compile a list of road closures to share with the public.” The list of road closures can be found on the Office’s webpage as well.
Anyone who lives, works, plays, or travels in Fort Bend County should be aware of the dangerous and developing situation on the Brazos River. At the time of this writing, the Brazos River was at 46.34 feet and rising. At 48 feet the River enters minor flood stage, at 49 feet it becomes “moderate” and at 50 feet it becomes “Major.”
If County residents need more information on the potential flooding situation, they should visit the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management website at FBCOEM.org.
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