Flood Waters Caused By Tropical Storm Imelda Devastate Houston, Leaving Two Dead

Two people are dead, and many others are displaced after dangerous flash flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Imelda slammed parts of Texas and Louisiana on Thursday. 

Officials in Harris County, which includes Houston, report that there had been a combination of at least 1,000 high-water rescues and evacuations to get people to shelter. 

Rainfall totals were among the highest the region has faced since Hurricane Harvey, according to officials. However, they say that floodwaters are now receding across most of Houston. 

Sadly, a 19-year-old man drowned and was electrocuted while trying to move his horse to safety during a lightning storm, according to a message shared by his family through the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Another man said to be in his 40s or 50s reportedly drowned in Houston while trying to drive a van through eight-foot-deep floodwaters near Bush intercontinental airport during Thursday afternoon rush hour, according to officials.

Nevertheless, first responders and rescue crews were out in rescue vehicles and boats, checking abandoned cars for stranded drivers and families trapped in floodwater. Even good Samaritans stepped up to help get people to safety.

As of 10:09 p.m. ET Thursday, dispatchers say they fielded 925 weather-related calls, including 387 high-water rescues, according to a tweet made by The Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

One of the rescues was a close call for one of their own, Deputy J. Mabery, who risked his own life responding to a driver who went around a high water barricade in northeast Harris County. The driver exited his vehicle, and the current swept him into the bayou.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez conducted a live update regarding the rescue, in which he explained that Mabery went out into the floodwater overnight to rescue the citizen in danger.  He said the swift flood water was rapidly rising and Mabery was able to grab the citizen and hold on to a branch, as the current described as “no joke” pounded against them. 

Mabery was able to “miraculously” hold on for quite a while until fellow first responders could locate them near Lake Houston. At one point, Gonzalez shared that they lost all contact by sight and by radio with Mabery, but they were able to thankfully find and rescue them.

More rain is expected on Friday.