The Brazos River in Richmond is currently at Gage Elevation 9.35 feet. Based on the 7-day extended forecast. Based on the rainfall, we are watching the potential for minor flooding within some of the Upper Brazos River Tributaries; however, no flooding along the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated.
This Week
After a fairly calm and dry 4 or 5 days, we will start the week wet, as another cold front works its way through the region. Today’s highs will hit the mid-70s before the cold front drops our highs throughout the week to the upper 50s to low/mid- 60s.
With the cold front, a decent amount of rain is in the forecast for much of southeast Texas. The majority of the significant rainfall should remain northeast of Fort Bend County and mostly out of the Brazos River Watershed.
Based on the forecasts, portions of the lower Brazos River Watershed (upstream of Hempstead) could see between 1 to 2 inches over the next 24 to 48 hours. Downstream of Hempstead and through Fort Bend County, we could see between 0.5 to 1.0 inches over the next 24 to 48 hours. This rainfall could bring much needed drought relief to portions of the lower Brazos River Watershed; however, based on the forecasts, no flooding along the Brazos River is anticipated.
The extended forecast is showing sunny weather returning Thursday and Friday with the possibility of a wet weekend; however, there is uncertainty in the forecasts through the weekend. Continue to monitor your favorite local weather source for changes in the forecasts.
Do not let Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) fool you and your neighbors. Everyone, especially those in southeast Texas, have some level of flood risk, regardless of being mapped within a Special Flood Hazard Area (i.e. V or A Zones). Those in Shaded or Unshaded X Zones make up over 25% of all annual flood insurance claims. We never know when the next flood will occur so plan ahead and start your preparations now. For more information, please visit NWS Flood Safety, Ready.gov, and FloodSmart.gov.
Flood Risk on the Bend 