In Houston, Texas, a Lexus LC has been captured braving the floodwaters as the city contends with severe “life-threatening” conditions. The image, taken from a social media video, shows the luxury car maneuvering through two feet of water on feeder 59 N Bound at North Park—a stark visual of the challenges currently facing the region.
The scene unfolds as Houston and broader southeastern Texas endure an onslaught of severe weather, with officials issuing urgent warnings and disaster declarations. Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the disaster declaration to include 59 counties, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation as more rain is expected to continue pummeling the area through Friday.
Dangerous situation unfolding in Kingwood, 2 feet of water on feeder 59 N Bound at North Park@abc13weather @Mattlanza @CharlieButera @JeffLindner1 @NWSHouston @TxStormChasers @spann @weatherchannel #houwx #htx #TXWX #hounews #abc13 pic.twitter.com/F5SWaFog0S
— Storm Chaser Houston (@StormChaserHTX) May 2, 2024
The severity of the flooding prompted Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo to issue a mandatory evacuation for residents near the banks of the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, north of Houston. With the river expected to rise significantly, those unable to evacuate could be trapped for days, highlighting the acute danger posed by the current weather conditions.
As the community grapples with the floods, more than 20,000 residents in the Houston area are without power, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. The state has responded with high-water rescues and continues to urge residents to heed local advisories and avoid unnecessary travel.
Steven Symes