Evening Update – May 10, 2019

Steep Bank Creek pump station – The limited rain today has enabled the pump station, and the trailer mounted pumps to drop the water level below where it was before Thursday night. As you can hopefully tell by the photos undertaking this part of the project 1) for the first time since they were purchased and 2) under inclement weather is a testament to the hard work from our engineering and levee operators.

The weather forecast has changed and indicates heavy rain coming in tomorrow morning instead of overnight. All facilities are operating as expected with additional support in use and on standby. Based on the rain expectations and the pumping power in the district we do not anticipate any issues. We will update everyone if any of the variables change. As a constant reminder, in times of heavy rains street ponding is possible. Please be careful, especially at night, driving during these times. Most importantly, never drive into high standing water.

5/10 Morning Update

While it was a a stormy night the rain totals varied widely across the district. A Space City Weather rain total (below) shows the reported variations. The lower than expected rainfall for our area and the greatly expanded pumping power at the Steep Bank Creek pump station has resulted in increased detainment for the upcoming storms. The forecast is for isolated and scattered thunderstorms today and throughout the evening. The current break from storms looks to arrive Saturday afternoon; however, we all know our regional weather can change rapidly.

Steep Bank Creek Pump-Station – All 12 trailer mounted pumps were deployed for usage last night. Currently, eleven can be utilized (if needed) with one being repaired currently. These will not be pumping all the time, only when/if water levels reach certain heights. This pumping capacity is in addition to the four existing large pumps in the pump station.

Based on the rain expectations and the pumping power in the district, we do not anticipate any issues. We will update everyone if any of the variables change. As a constant reminder, in times of heavy rains street ponding is possible. Please be careful, especially at night, driving during these times. Most importantly, never drive into high standing water.

Evening Update on Steep Bank Creek

As we have noted, the district has been utilizing trailer mounted pumps to add pumping resources to the pump station. The combination of the existing pump station (working at full power) and these additional pumps have resulted in a significant five foot drop in the water level at Steep Bank Creek (see pics below).

Over the next few days, the district will receive a large amount of rain with the forecasts varying widely. In addition, the Brazos River is now forecasted to crest at 49.9 feet early Sunday morning, essentially reaching the major flood stage. Please know that the levees in our district were constructed to handle this projected river level.

As conditions change we will be updating the website and sending out emails / texts. Please make sure you have signed up for alerts and be mindful of street ponding during strong downpours.