MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX (KIAH) – A river flood warning has been issued for Montgomery County as the East Fork San Jacinto near New Caney threatens widespread flooding. Moderate flooding is still happening, with more expected until late Wednesday evening.

The National Weather Service has emphasized the major impacts of recent and ongoing floods.  At 68.5 feet, moderate lowland flooding is still happening, as water levels surpass the lowest slab elevations of buildings near the monitored gauge. Even hunting camps near the left bank, about two miles downstream, are starting to take on water. Flooded roads continue to be impassable, including FM 1485, which is closed for now.

As of 8:00 p.m. Sunday, the river stage was recorded at 67.5 feet, exceeding the flood stage of 58.0 feet. Maximum river stage in the past 24 hours reached 71.0 feet, highlighting the severity of this fluid situation.

National weather authorities said the river expected to fall below flood stage late Wednesday morning and continue receding to 52.0 feet by this Friday evening. However, authorities still advise area residents to stay cautious and safe. Flood history for this part of southeast Texas is   a reminder of possible dangers brought on by rising waters, with the current crest compared to a previous high of 67.7 feet observed on May 19, 1989.

Emergency response teams are actively engaged in monitoring and response efforts and are asking anyone in the area to visit http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood for official information.