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Mandatory evacuation orders in Harris County. lifted, but long recovery ahead after storms

KINGWOOD, Texas (KTRK) — Several Harris County officials, including Judge Lina Hidalgo and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, gave an update on the aftermath of storms that continued through the weekend.

According to officials, the county is now out of the woods as there are no more threats of rain, but the challenging part lies ahead: recovery.

“Good news is we are out of the woods,” Hidalgo said.

Hidalgo says the county is now in a “bridge phase.” They are pivoting from a response phase into recovery mode.

As of 10:30 a.m. Monday, the mandatory evacuation order was lifted, prompting displaced people to return home.

However, officials urged them to practice caution as water is still a problem. Those include the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, which should be accessible Tuesday, and the Rio Villa area, which still has impassable roads.

Officials said the Northshore neighborhood in Kingwood flooded late last week with water from the San Jacinto River, which is now falling faster than predicted.

Officials said the majority of the roadways in Kingwood are now clear. Still, Hidalgo stressed that for those who live in the West Fork portion, some roads are inaccessible.

While officials said there were no major injuries or deaths reported, the flooding brought water into many homes. Firefighters said the storms also caused a large oak tree to fall in the neighborhood.

READ MORE: Homeowners in Kingwood throwing away damaged belongings in flooded homes

Video from last week shows a Houston police officer saving a man and his three dogs from high water where the San Jacinto River enters Lake Houston.

ABC13 spoke to some homeowners who said they were experiencing flooding for the first time.

SEE ALSO: Evacuee forced to leave family dog behind is among flood emergency faces

“It was so emotional to go through this and just to see our belongings upside down,” said Steph Paulson, who just moved in four months ago.

“We don’t know what’s next. What should we tackle? We’re trying to like, get food and get to places, because we don’t have working septic or water,” Jon Paulson said.

Officials said on Monday that 233 people and 164 pets had been rescued across Harris County during the flooding.

For news updates, follow Brandon Hamilton on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

RELATED: Tree falls in Kingwood resident’s backyard as severe weather batters Houston, surrounding areas

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Isolated showers possible Monday, however, the flash flood threat is over

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The flash flood and severe weather threat is gone as drier weather finally begins to settle in.

The sky will remain mostly cloudy Monday morning as temperatures will hover in the low-mid 70s. A couple of sprinkles are possible Monday, so we’ll keep a 20% chance for rain, though heavy rain is not expected. We should see a mix of sun and clouds and a southerly breeze for Monday with average high temperatures in the mid 80s.

What’s the flood outlook for this week?

After multiple rounds of heavy rainfall last week, we are also closely monitoring some of our creeks and rivers heading into flood stages – some into the major flood stage – as that extra water in some of our northern lakes and rivers makes its way down to the south. Moderate to major flooding is still expected along the Trinity River, from Lake Livingston to Liberty County. As for the San Jacinto, most locations in Montgomery County are beginning to see a slow recede. For the San Jacinto in Harris County around Lake Houston, water levels will remain in moderate to major flood stage over the next two days as the water slowly recedes. New this week though, portions of the Brazos River in Fort Bend and Waller Counties, areas that have not seen flooding yet but could later this week as water levels are projected to reach minor flood stage. Then areas that are cresting or rising could see floodwaters get higher over the next few days. It will definitely be something the ABC13 Weather Team will be monitoring closely.

What about these hot temperatures?

Houston could see its first 90-degree day of the year this week on Tuesday, then repeated on Wednesday too. And that’s not unheard of as many record high temperatures for this time of year are in the mid 90s. That being said, get ready for a taste of summer this week!

Are there any more cool fronts coming ahead of summer?

We have one penciled in for Friday! This one looks more and more like the real deal, and it could bring a delightful drop in the humidity with pleasant temperatures for Mother’s Day weekend.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

Southeast Texas

Houston

Harris County

Galveston County

Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties

Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties

Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Rain stops Saturday after several days, but San Jacinto River rising still a worry in Kingwood area

KINGWOOD, Texas (KTRK) — Heavy rainfall has drenched several areas in and surrounding Houston, and yet the rain is not done. ABC13 has extensively covered the devastation in the Kingwood area, where residents were urged to evacuate if possible.

ABC13 reporter Lileana Pearson was out in Kingwood Saturday morning, checking on residents in West Fork, where the conditions are expected to worsen as the rain is not done in the area.

RELATED: ABC13 Weather Alert Day declared for storms, heavy rain on Sunday

Pearson mentions that she and the ABC13 crew have watched the water rise from the moment they arrived on the scene.

Several days of rainfall have caused an overflow of the city’s creeks and rivers, including the San Jacinto River, which is predicted to rise at least three more feet before it begins cresting on Sunday.

While Saturday remains clear, ABC13’s Weather Team declared an ABC13 Weather Alert on Sunday, as rain is expected to dump in the area, causing the river to rise to higher levels than normal.

VIEW MAP: WHERE IS THE SAN JACINTO NORMALLY THIS TIME OF YEAR?

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said they have rescued 126 people and 63 animals. The sheriff’s office has pulled nearly 70 people and 45 animals from the floodwaters.

The rain has taken not just homes but businesses nearby. A homeowner spoke to ABC13, who said her property is dry, but others are inaccessible.

She says it was like reliving Hurricane Harvey all over again.

ABC13 spoke with the Office of Emergency Management, who said there were not many rescues overnight, but that could change as the day goes on.


SEE HERE: Flooding emergency: Houston mayor warns holdouts they endanger crews the longer they wait to leave

County leaders said it could be two to three days for people still stranded and needing to be rescued.

For more news updates, follow Lileana Pearson on FacebookX and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Strong thunderstorms and heavy rain possible again Friday in Southeast Texas

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An ABC13 Weather Alert Day is in effect amid a Flood Watch for much of Southeast Texas (mainly north of I-10) until 7 p.m. Friday.

Many of our counties north of I-10 are under flood warnings, including parts of Grimes, Walker, Montgomery, northern Harris, Liberty, San Jacinto, Polk, and Trinity Counties.

We are also closely monitoring some of our creeks and rivers that are heading into flood stages — some into the major flood stage — as that extra water in some of our northern lakes and rivers makes its way down to the south.

Another round of showers and storms will create wet and messy roads Friday morning. Showers and storms will be more scattered during the afternoon.

The Flood Watch basically runs along and north of I-10 for the following counties in the ABC13 viewing area:

Austin, Colorado, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, Waller, and Washington. Widespread totals of 1-3″ are expected within the watch with isolated amounts in the 4-6″ range.

Why is it so stormy this week?

The weather pattern this week features strong jet stream winds over Texas, which is pushing disturbances through the state that can morph into thunderstorm complexes. These complexes can be difficult to predict more than 12 hours in advance, so stay informed and nimble with your plans this week. Another complex could be on the way for Friday afternoon.

Could the storms bring heavy rain or severe weather?

Yes, it is possible that any storm complex that blows through could bring heavy rain and severe weather. We saw the heavy rain and even severe weather earlier Thursday and we can’t rule out more heavy activity Friday over the northern part of southeast Texas, and Friday afternoon near Houston.

Are there any more cool fronts coming ahead of summer?

It no longer looks like we’ll get a front during the first week of May, but there’s still a chance one more cool front could make it down here before the summer heat settles in for good. In fact, next week we see a heat ridge building in that will push our highs into the low 90s for the first time in 2024…stay cool!

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

Southeast Texas

Houston

Harris County

Galveston County

Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties

Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties

Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

WEATHER ALERT DAY: Strong t-storms, heavy rain possible through Friday in Southeast Texas

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The ABC13 Weather Team has upgraded our Weather Watch to a Weather Alert Day now through Friday, and Houston is now included in the Flood Watch through 1 p.m. Friday.

Additionally, a Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Harris, Liberty and Montgomery counties until noon Thursday.

Any storm that pops up could produce street flooding along with severe winds, large hail, and a brief tornado.

We are still on track for a line of thunderstorms to blow in Thursday. This line could bring severe wind gusts over 60 mph and heavy rainfall, especially north of I-10. Prepare now for a potentially stormy drive in to work and school, and pad in some extra time to get to your destination. Remember, if you come across a flooded roadway, turn around, don’t drown!

The Flood Watch basically runs along and north of I-10 for the following counties in the ABC13 viewing area:

Austin, Colorado, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, Waller, and Washington. Widespread totals of 2-5″ are expected within the watch with isolated amounts in the 6-9″ range.

Why is it so stormy this week?

The weather pattern this week features strong jet stream winds over Texas, which is pushing disturbances through the state that can morph into thunderstorm complexes. These complexes can be difficult to predict more than 12 hours in advance, so stay informed and nimble with your plans this week. Our confidence has grown that one storm complex will rumble through parts of southeast Texas Thursday morning, with another one possible Friday.

Could the storms bring heavy rain or severe weather?

Yes, it is possible that any storm complex that blows through could bring heavy rain and severe weather. The one on Thursday morning could bring gusty winds, hail, a brief tornado, and a few inches of rain. We’ll keep you posted.

Are there any more cool fronts coming ahead of summer?

It no longer looks like we’ll get a front during the first week of May, but there’s still a chance one more cool front could make it down here before the summer heat settles in for good. In fact, next week we see a heat ridge building in that will push our highs into the low 90s for the first time in 2024…stay cool!

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

Southeast Texas

Houston

Harris County

Galveston County

Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties

Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties

Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

WEATHER ALERT DAY: Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain possible today and tonight in Southeast Texas

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The ABC13 Weather Team has upgraded our Weather Watch to a Weather Alert Day now through Thursday morning.

Current observations indicate the air coming in from the Gulf of Mexico has far more moisture and storm fuel than originally anticipated, increasing the chances for scattered severe thunderstorms with heavy rain this afternoon. Any storm that pops up could produce street flooding along with severe winds, large hail, and a brief tornado.

We are still on track for a line of thunderstorms to blow in overnight from West Texas. How strong this line is when it arrives will depend on how the storms evolve this afternoon. If it storms a lot this afternoon, the line tonight should weaken as it moves in.

A Flood Watch is in effect from 10 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the following counties in the ABC13 viewing area:

Austin, Colorado, Grimes, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, Waller, and Washington. Widespread totals of 2-4″ are expected within the watch with isolated amounts in the 5-8″ range.

Where are the storms most likely to hit this afternoon?

Initially, storms will be most favored to develop southwest of Houston toward Matagorda Bay. That’s where the air has the most moisture and storm fuel. We are also seeing signs storms could fire up just east of Houston along the Trinity River closer to a boundary in far East Texas. It is possible Houston could be sandwiched in between two zones of storms and not get much rain out of either.

Where are the storms most likely to hit overnight?

Communities north of I-10 are more favored to get the storms from the line coming in overnight. Once again, how strong those storms get will depending on how much energy is left after the scattered storms that develop this afternoon and evening.

Why is it so stormy?

The weather pattern this week features strong jet stream winds over Texas, which is pushing disturbances through the state that can morph into thunderstorm complexes. These complexes can be difficult to predict more than 12 hours in advance, so stay informed and nimble with your plans this week. Our confidence has grown that one storm complex will rumble through parts of Southeast Texas Thursday morning with another one possible Friday.

Could the storms bring heavy rain or severe weather?

Yes, it is possible that any storm complex that blows through could bring heavy rain and severe weather. The one on Thursday morning could bring gusty winds, hail, a brief tornado, and a few inches of rain. We’ll keep you posted.

Are there any more cool fronts coming ahead of summer?

It no longer looks like we’ll get a front during the first week of May, but there’s still a chance one more cool front could make it down here before the summer heat settles in for good. In fact, next week we see a heat ridge building in that will push our highs into the low 90s for the first time in 2024…stay cool!

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

Southeast Texas

Houston

Harris County

Galveston County

Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties

Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties

Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Astros option struggling Jose Abreu as top prospect Joey Loperfido set to debut in outfield

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Jose Abreu’s underwhelming start to the Astros’ 2024 season has reached a new low as the ballclub announced the 10-year MLB veteran would be optioned to its instructional league team in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said that the former American League MVP and first baseman was not with the team on Tuesday ahead of the start of a six-game homestand.

According to Brown, the demotion was mutual and effective Wednesday.

“We met with Jose on this, and we both agree that this move will be good for him and for the team in the long run,” Brown said. “We are confident that a change of scenery and a new environment will help him get his rhythm and timing back. Jose is a team-first guy, and we applaud him for this. We know what this guy can do, and we’re confident in his determination and work ethic.”

The Astros will make a corresponding move prior to Wednesday’s game.

The Cuba native appeared slow out of the gate, registering just two hits in his first 12 games. But after Houston’s victory on Sunday in game No. 22, Abreu owns just two multi-hit games and one extra-base hit in 71 at-bats.

Entering the start of a three-game series against Cleveland, Houston is 9-19 and last in the AL West but 6.5 games out of first place.

The move came a day after the club officially promoted 24-year-old Triple-A star Joey Loperfido, who field manager Joe Espada said will play in the outfield against the Guardians on Tuesday. Loperfido, who blasted 13 home runs for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys in 25 games, can play at first and second bases.

Loperfido is wearing No. 10.

The 37-year-old Abreu is in the second season of a three-year contract, paying him $19.5 million each this year and next.

Jon Singleton, a left-handed batter struggling at the plate, will start at first base against the Guardians.

Loperfido’s debut

Joey Loperfido’s first at-bat in the majors was an anticlimactic first-pitch contact, resulting in a flyout to start the bottom of the third inning.

However, the 24-year-old’s second at-bat kicked off the first of undoubtedly many milestones in his career. With bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth, Loperfido cracked a single on the third pitch of his at-bat, driving in two runs in a tied game. In the very next pitch, first baseman Jon Singleton blasted a 431-foot three-run homer.

In that four-pitch sequence, Loperfido earned his first hit, first RBI, and first run scored of his MLB career, contributing to a five-run lead at that point.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Heights-area construction project put on pause, risking $25M in federal funding

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston city officials have halted multiple city projects, including the construction work on Shepherd and Durham drives in the Heights area.

Community officials said this could put up to $25 million in federal funding at risk.

“The potential exists for the project to be canceled entirely and for its associated federal funding to be reallocated somewhere else in the region,” Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority chairwoman Anne Lents said in a board meeting last week.

Lents said the city staff could not say if or when the pause will be listed and that the project could be paused beyond current deadlines. She said redesign could add significant delays and add cost to the project.

“All projects are on hold that reduce the number of general purpose traffic lanes or lane widths,” Mayor John Whitmire’s transportation advisor, Marlene Gafrick, said in a written statement to ABC13.

Gafrick said they are open to exploring options for building a redesigned project. In response to another question, she noted that “Houston will remain an auto-dependent city for many years to come.”

“This is a transformative project that would make it easier to walk and bike in this corridor and give them better access to business while making it safer for everyone who uses it, including drivers,” BikeHouston Executive Director Joe Cutrufo said.

Advocacy group BikeHouston has been critical of these recent moves to pause projects that could significantly impact and or improve pedestrian safety.

Mayor Whitmire previously asked Public Works to “evaluate the effectiveness, impact, and identify lessons learned on the 11th Street Project” and considered taking out bike lanes former Mayor Sylvester Turner installed that cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

Barriers were also removed on Houston Avenue just north of downtown that were placed there to help with pedestrian safety. Whitmire says in part that it was impacting firefighters’ ability to turn, so he had the barriers removed, to the tune of around $730,000 taxpayer dollars.

“We need to move forward with this type of project, not only because it’s transforming a dangerous corridor, but also because there’s federal money involved, and the expectation is we’re going to carry through with this entire project,” Cutrufo said.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Storm chances rise later this week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A lot of water fell over Southeast Texas since Sunday morning, but thankfully we all catch a break for at least Tuesday.

We started off Tuesday morning with some fog but it has burned off.

During the afternoon we expect the smoky haze from Mexico to return, decreasing air quality and turning the sky more gray than blue. Still, enough sunshine should break through to warm temperatures into the mid 80s.

We cannot rule out an isolated afternoon showers and storms, but most of us should stay dry.

When do rain chances go back up?

Rain chances will creep up to 30% on Wednesday and 40% on Thursday and Friday. The weather pattern this week will feature strong jet stream winds over Texas, which will push disturbances through the state that can morph into thunderstorm complexes. These complexes can be difficult to predict more than 12 hours in advance, so stay informed and nimble with your plans this week. At this time we think Thursday and Friday bring our highest chances of getting storms from one of those complexes.

Could the storms bring heavy rain or severe weather?

Yes, it is possible that any storm complex that blows through could bring heavy rain and severe weather. We’ll keep you posted.

Are there any more cool fronts coming ahead of summer?

It no longer looks like we’ll get a front during the first week of May, but there’s still a chance one more cool front could make it down here before the summer heat settles in for good. In fact, next week we see a heat ridge building in that will push our highs into the low 90s for the first time in 2024…stay cool!

HOUSTON RADAR MAPS:

Southeast Texas

Houston

Harris County

Galveston County

Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties

Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties

Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Suspect shot to death after holding ex-wife and toddler at gunpoint in car, officials say

HAMBERS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities shot and killed a man armed with an AR-style weapon after he held his ex-wife and their 3-year-old child hostage during a chase, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Tuesday.

Sheriff’s deputies said it began with a phone call from the family member of the ex-wife shortly before 6 a.m.

The relative reported that the suspect kidnapped the 29-year-old woman and the toddler from a home in the 9400 block of Desert Flower near Highway 249 in the Fallbrook area.

According to officials, the 39-year-old suspect is the child’s father and he and the woman were in a common-law relationship.

The man forced his way into the home, then fired shots, before taking off with the pair, officials said.

By 9:15 a.m., the car they were in was spotted in Fort Bend County, and the chase started when the suspect refused to stop. In fact, Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said the Rosenberg Police Department was the agency that ultimately notified them where the suspect was headed with the hostages.

At one point, the driver made it eastbound to Highway 146 at Highway 99.

A Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigator was on the phone with the man, but he continued to refuse to surrender, officials said, adding that he spoke of “suicide by police.”

Authorities ended up barricading the area of Plantation Drive at Highway 565 to block the suspect.

It’s believed he was heading in that direction to take his other children, but they were in school at the time.

Once deputies stopped him, he reached for his gun, and that’s when two snipers with Chambers County’s Special Response Team shot and killed him, Gonzalez said.

The woman and child were unharmed. No members of law enforcement were injured either.

Watch: SkyEye coverage as scene unfolded in Chambers County

According to Gonzalez, there was a history of abuse in the relationship, noting that the suspect had previously threatened to take the woman to Mexico and kill her.

The couple had recently split, and she was staying with relatives to escape him.

It’s believed no shots were fired during the chase.

You can reach the National Domestic Violence hotline 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE. You can also chat with someone live or text “START” to 88788.

The Houston Area Women’s Center also has a 24/7 hotline available by calling 713-528-2121 or chat on their website.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.