Houston Bayou System is Flooding, Causing Traffic Backups and Delays

HOUSTON, TX — Water was gushing out of manhole covers in the Allen Parkway area and a school bus was trapped in floodwaters in the Heights, just two incidents resulting from heavy rains that inundated the Houston area early this morning. Officials say 4-7 inches of rain had fallen in the area since this morning.

Meteorologists said the rain will continue throughout the day and overnight, which will cause further flooding. The intensity of the rain had lessened by 8 a.m., but a band of heavy precipitation is predicted to hit the region around noon today, bringing 1-3 inches of additional rain.

Most school systems have delayed their opening times — check with yours — and officials are urging people to stay at home if possible.

Interstate 45 coming into Houston from the south was at a standstill at 8 a.m., and traffic was backed up for miles. Houston Metro officials reported that all of its busses were operating, though they added that commuters should expect delays.

Numerous reports of abandoned cars around the Houston area were reported, but there were no reports of injuries or deaths.

Stay tuned to Patch for updates.

— Image courtesy NOAA