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May 20, 10:00 AM – Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage / Forecast to Reach Minor Flood Stage / Hot and Humid Conditions for the Week

As of 9:15 AM on May 20, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 44.52 feet. The WGRFC forecast is showing the Brazos River through Richmond peaking just above Minor Flood Stage at Gage Elevation 45.20. This is approximately 0.5 feet lower than the peak last week. Below is a summary of the gages downstream of Hempstead.

The NWS forecast is calling for hot and humid conditions throughout the week as the lower Brazos River Watershed experiences an extended period of sunny to partly cloudy skies with low rain chances. The 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving less than ¼ inch of rain over the next 7 days. Based  on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated.

District personnel will continue to monitor forecasts and conditions within the District while the Brazos River continues to be elevated; however, activity around the Pump Station should generally return to more routine operations. If residents have any concerns or questions, please contact the District at https://www.fbcmud46.org/contact/.

Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage / Forecast Lowered Since Yesterday – May 17, 9:45 AM

As of 9:15 AM on May 17, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 42.39 feet. Based on the forecasts and rainfall that occurred upstream, the WGRFC has lowered its forecast for the Brazos River through Richmond. This morning’s forecast shows the Brazos River rising to Gage 44.90 feet around May 21. For reference, 44.90 is approximately 0.8’ lower than our previous 7 day peak. Similarly, gages upstream of Richmond are forecasted to rise.

There are some minor chances for additional rain today; however, generally the lower Brazos River Watershed should experience an extended period of sunny to partly cloudy skies with low rain chances. The 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving less than ½ inch of rain over the next 7 days. Based on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated.

District personnel will continue to monitor forecasts and conditions within the District while the Brazos River continues to be elevated; however, activity around the Pump Station should generally return to more routine operations. The District asks all residents to keep out of the District’s pump station. Please allow the operations team to focus on flood fighting. If residents have any concerns or questions, please contact the District at https://www.fbcmud46.org/contact.

Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage / Forecast to Reach Minor Stage – May 15, 5:15 PM

As of 5:00 PM on May 16, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 41.54 feet. Based on the forecasts and rainfall occurring upstream, the WGRFC shows the Brazos River through Richmond to slowly begin to rise. The WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River rising to Gage 46.40 feet around May 21. For reference, 46.40 is approximately 0.70’ higher than our previous 7 day peak. Similarly, gages upstream of Richmond are forecasted to rise.

Most of the lower Brazos River watershed, upstream of Fort Bend County, is in a Flood Watch through 7 AM Friday Morning. The Region, including the lower Brazos River watershed, has a slight to moderate risk of excessive rainfall through Friday morning. Areas north of I-10 could see widespread amounts between 3 to 6 inches with isolated areas of with higher amounts. Areas south of I-10 could see between 1 to 2 inches. Good news is that while the Brazos River could potentially rise to Minor Flood Stage, the forecast beyond Friday is showing Sunny to Partly Cloudy Skies with low rain chances. Based on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated, but we are continuing to monitor the rainfall and its impacts on the Brazos River forecasts.

Please note, forecasts and conditions can change. Everyone is encouraged to stay weather aware by following their favorite local weather source, including the National Weather Service and the West Gulf River Forecast Center.  If you have not ready done so, please remember to sign up for Emergency Updates from Fort Bend County.

Based on the rainfall potential, the District personnel is continuing to monitor forecasts and is ready to activate as needed. Please note that activity around the pump station is normal during this time when the Brazos River is elevated and rain is in the forecast. The District understands residents could be curious about the operation of the pump station; however, the District asks all residents to keep out of the District’s pump station. Please allow the operations team to focus on flood fighting. If residents have any concerns or questions, please contact the District at https://www.fbcmud46.org/contact.