Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage and Rising / Increasing Chance of Rain for Next Week – May 8, 9:00 AM

As of 8:15 AM on May 8, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 42.48 feet and rising. According to the 8:29 AM forecast, the WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River reaching Gage Elevation 44.5 feet on Friday. Although the current forecast does not typically bring major flooding to Fort Bend County, whenever the Brazos River is elevated local rainfall becomes more of a concern. Through Saturday, local rain chances are low. There appears to be signs supporting heavy rainfall to develop in across the Region starting on Sunday afternoon possibly into Monday but it is too far out in the forecast to know the exact location and amount of rainfall. As of this morning, the Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving between 1 to 2 inches of rain over the next 7 days. The majority of this could occur Sunday through Monday. Additional updates will be provided as we approach the weekend. Even if the additional rainfall does not development into any serious, this event serves as a good opportunity to review action plans as we head into hurricane season.

Based on the current forecast, the District does not anticipate emergency operations; however, the District’s team is continuing to monitor conditions along the Brazos River and within the District and is ready to respond as needed. 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.

Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage and Rising – May 7, 9:00 AM

As of 8:15 AM on May 7, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 41.2 feet and rising. According to the 8:28 AM forecast, the WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River reaching Gage Elevation 44.8 feet around Sunday. The current forecast does show this potentially being the crest. We will continue to monitor the upstream conditions and their impacts on the forecast. Rain chances across the Lower Brazos River Watershed are low for the majority of the week. The Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving less than 0.25 inch of rain over the next 7 days. As we approach the weekend, our focus will be on our rain chances for the following week while the Brazos River is elevated. The confidence is currently low, but the extended forecast does show rain for the majority of next week.

Based on the current forecast, the District does not anticipate emergency operations; however, the District’s team is continuing to monitor conditions along the Brazos River and within the District and is ready to respond as needed. 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.

Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage and Rising – May 5, 9:00 AM

As of 8:15 AM on May 5, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 38.28 feet and rising. According to the 8:07 AM forecast, the WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River reaching Gage Elevation 44.1 feet toward the end of next week. As shown on the forecast, the WGRFC graphic does not necessarily represent the peak elevation at the Richmond Gage. Based on the upstream conditions, the forecast for the Brazos River through Richmond could change. We will continue to monitor the forecasts especially with our remaining rain chances. Based on the current NWS forecast, portions of Lower Brazos River Watershed and the Region are under a flood watch through tonight. These areas could see between 1 to 3 inches with isolated areas of 4 to 8 inches. After Sunday, our rain chances drop for the upcoming week. The 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving between 0.25 to 1 inch over the next 7 days.

Based on the current forecast, the District does not anticipate emergency operations; however, the District’s team is continuing to monitor conditions along the Brazos River and within the District and is ready to respond as needed. 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.