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.

Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage and Falling – May 13, 9:00 AM

As of 8:15 AM on May 13, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond has dropped back into Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 44.9 feet. Based on the forecasts and rainfall occurring upstream, the WGRFC shows a slower fall through Richmond than previous forecasts. The WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River staying above Gage 39 feet through the end of the week. Below is a summary of the gages from Hempstead downstream.

The NWS continues to show severe weather for all of the Lower Brazos River Watershed and Region. There is an enhanced risk of severe weather with a marginal to slight risk of excessive rainfall through Tuesday morning. The forecast includes rainfall amounts between 1 to 3 inches with isolated higher amounts. After today, the region should see a break from the rain Tuesday and Wednesday; however, rain chances return Thursday into Friday. Confidence is low on the location and rainfall amounts so the forecast could change. This morning’s Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving between 1 to 3 inches 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.

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. Pumping may not be required especially as the Brazos River recedes. 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.

Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Minor Flood Stage / Heavy Rain Possible Sunday into Monday – May 11, 2:30 PM

As of 1:15 PM on May 11, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Minor Flood Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 45.63 feet. Based on the gage data, the Brazos River through Richmond appears to be cresting. According to the 1: 29 PM forecast, the Brazos River through Richmond should fall below Minor Flood Stage on Sunday. How quickly the Brazos River falls will depend on the amount of rain received over the next 48 hours. Below is a summary of the gages from Hempstead downstream.

The NWS continues to show heavy rainfall potential for the lower Brazos River Watershed and the Region from Sunday into Monday. During that time, the Lower Brazos River watershed could receive rainfall amounts of 2-3 inches with isolated higher amounts in localized areas. Based on the forecast, the heaviest rain continues to be located upstream of I-10. After Sunday/Monday, the region should see a short break from rain on Tuesday and Wednesday before additional rain potentially moves through the region toward the middle to end of next week. The Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving between 1 to 3 inches 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; however, low laying areas could be impacted and drainage facilities could take longer to drain out than usual.

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. This is the first rainfall event since the construction of the District’s stormwater pump station which was completed earlier this year. Pumping may not be required; however, pump operations are possible. 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.