Flood Risk on the Bend

The Brazos River in Richmond is currently at Gage Elevation 16.29 and falling. Based on the 7-day extended forecast, no flooding along the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated.

This Week

This week’s forecast includes mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid to upper 80s. We are expecting a couple of cold fronts to push through the region on Tuesday and Friday night. Ultimately these fronts could lead to a clear and cooler weekend. With the passing fronts, our rain chances are increased on Tuesday and Friday into Saturday morning. The current Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) shows the upper portions of the Brazos River, upstream of Hempstead, receiving less than 3/4 inch of rain with the lower portions, including Fort Bend County, receiving less than ½ inch of rain over the next 7 days.

The confidence in the extended forecast for the end of the week is low so final rainfall amounts through Saturday will vary.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week

This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Although our flood risk is just as elevated outside of Hurricane Season, this week is a good reminder on how we should prepare for one of our most dangerous natural disasters. Regardless of the seasonal predictions, it only takes one storm to change your life and community. Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Learn how during Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 3-9, 2020) by visiting hurricanes.gov/prepare and on our Hurricane Central Page.

Even though Flooding can occur any time of the year, please note that we are less than 30 days away from the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Flood insurance policies can take up to 30 days to go into effective, so now is as good as any time to start your preparations. 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.