Grass Fire Near Steep Bank Creek Pump Station

Good evening. Earlier this afternoon a minor grass fire took place near the Steep Bank Creek pump station. The fire has been extinguished, and there was no damage to any LID facilities, including pump station equipment. However, smoke may remain visible throughout the evening. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the appropriate law enforcement officials.

Again, we remind all residents that access to the levee and LID facilities is strictly prohibited. If you notice any unauthorized access of the levee facilities, please notify law enforcement.

Severe Weather Update & Flooded Roads

As of 2:00 pm today, portions of the intersection of University Boulevard and LJ Parkway are temporarily impassable due to street flooding. The road conditions will change frequently, as the intensity of rainfall changes over time.

Fort Bend County LID No. 19 emergency response team is monitoring the Brazos River and local rainfall predictions of this event.  As of 2:00 p.m. today, the accumulated rainfall in the LID area is approximately 2.8 inches in the past 24 hours with 2.5 inches falling in the past hour. NOAA predictions are for 2 to 3 more inches over the next 6 hours.

With Brazos River at approximately 12 feet, the District will remain in full gravity flow conditions. Gravity flow means that free drainage outfall to the Brazos River is available, and the LID’s drainage is not dependent on pumping.

Should intense cells fall over the area, isolated street ponding may occur, but should clear quickly after the rains ends. All usual precautions for heavy rainfall should be taken by residents, including avoiding travel by car if possible.  Further postings will be made should the NOAA predictions change significantly.

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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.

Alcorn Bayou pump station – Earlier we discussed the possibility of having two of the gator pumps installed today. We are pleased to report that all five portable gator pumps have been deployed in preparation for the rains this weekend.

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.