Thousands Evacuated, Roads Submerged, and Emergency Declared in Multiple Counties

Houston, TX — July 5, 2025: Catastrophic flooding has paralyzed parts of Texas after days of relentless rain swamped cities, overflowed rivers, and overwhelmed local infrastructure. Officials across multiple counties have declared states of emergency, urging residents to evacuate low-lying areas and seek shelter on higher ground.

The floodwaters, driven by a powerful moisture-laden storm system, have impacted both urban and rural communities — particularly in the eastern and southeastern regions of the state.

Flash Flood Emergency in Houston and Surrounding Areas

Houston, the state’s most populous city, has borne the brunt of the damage. Over 12 inches of rain fell within 24 hours in some neighborhoods, turning highways into rivers and stranding motorists across the city.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Emergency — the most severe flood warning — for Harris County and surrounding areas late Thursday evening. Emergency responders have rescued over 300 people from submerged vehicles, homes, and apartment complexes using boats and high-water rescue trucks.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, in a press briefing Friday morning, stated:

“This is not your ordinary flooding event. This is historic. Please do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown.”

Officials have activated emergency operations centers, with school closures and power outages affecting tens of thousands of residents.

Rivers Breach Banks, Rural Areas Also Hit Hard

Outside the metro areas, the situation remains dire. The Trinity River, Brazos River, and Sabine River have risen well above flood stage, submerging farmland, roads, and residential areas in Liberty, Montgomery, and Jefferson counties.

Small towns like Crockett, Huntsville, and Orange have also seen extensive flooding. Entire neighborhoods are underwater, and some communities are only accessible by airboat.

“We haven’t seen water levels like this since Hurricane Harvey,” said Jack Morgan, a fire chief in Liberty County. “People are scared, and we’re doing everything we can to reach them.”

Transportation Chaos and Infrastructure Damage

Dozens of major highways and local roads across Texas have been closed due to rising water, debris, or collapsed pavement. Interstate 10 and I-45 saw multiple closures in and around Houston, while rural roads in East Texas have been completely washed out.

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport reported flight delays and temporary runway closures due to water pooling on tarmacs. Meanwhile, METRO suspended all rail services and some bus routes until further notice.

Utility companies have reported outages impacting more than 150,000 customers, mostly due to downed lines and submerged transformers. Water treatment facilities in some municipalities are operating on backup systems or under boil-water advisories.

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Residents Speak Out Amid Chaos

Many Texans took to social media to document the unfolding crisis — sharing photos of waist-deep floodwaters in living rooms, submerged cars, and desperate calls for help. Community members have also banded together, with volunteer rescue groups such as the “Cajun Navy” assisting in evacuations.

“I’ve lived here all my life, and I’ve never seen it this bad,” said Latoya Simmons, a resident of Northeast Houston. “We lost power yesterday, and now we’re trapped. Thank God for the volunteers.”

Shelters have been established across the state, with the Red Cross and other relief agencies distributing food, water, and blankets. Many hotels near dry zones are fully booked, and several school gymnasiums have been repurposed to accommodate evacuees.

Governor Issues State of Emergency

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a State of Emergency in 47 counties and requested federal assistance to support rescue and recovery operations. The Texas National Guard has been deployed with high-water vehicles, helicopters, and medical teams.

In a televised statement, Abbott said:

“Texans are resilient, but we must prioritize safety. Our emergency responders are working around the clock, and we urge everyone to follow local advisories and not to take unnecessary risks.”

President of the United States has also been briefed on the situation and has signaled readiness to approve a federal disaster declaration if requested.

Weather Outlook: More Rain Ahead

Meteorologists warn that additional rainfall is expected over the weekend, which could worsen already dire conditions. The saturated ground means that even moderate showers could lead to more flash flooding.

The National Weather Service has placed much of central and eastern Texas under a Flood Watch through Sunday, with rainfall totals possibly reaching another 3–5 inches in some areas.

Climate Experts Weigh In

While heavy rainfall events are not uncommon in Texas, scientists note that the frequency and intensity of such events are increasing.

Dr. Mariana Cortez, a climate specialist at Texas A&M, commented:

“What we’re seeing aligns with climate models that suggest warmer air holds more moisture. That leads to more intense rain over shorter periods, especially in subtropical regions like Texas.”

What You Can Do

Authorities are urging the public to take the following precautions:

Avoid all flooded roads – even six inches of moving water can knock over an adult, and two feet can sweep away a vehicle.

Monitor local weather alerts via the NWS and municipal emergency systems.

Charge mobile devices and prepare emergency kits including food, water, medicine, and batteries.

Help neighbors who may be elderly or disabled in preparing or evacuating.

Final Thoughts

The Texas flood disaster has once again highlighted the state’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the importance of preparation and community response. As waters continue to rise in some areas, the focus remains on saving lives, providing shelter, and beginning what will likely be a lengthy recovery process.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.