Rising flood water in Houston brought a new round of evacuation Tuesday but this time the cause was uncontrolled release of water from flood control reservoirs.
Along with other areas, the Ashford Forest Subdivision already had flooded homes Tuesday morning. By afternoon, more homes were threatened by rising water that had never been seen in those places before.
Some people were reluctant to leave.
“People want to stay with their property and their things that make them happy and comfortable,” said resident Melinda Beckham.
The Addicks and Barker Reservoirs are intended to protect Houston from flooding along Buffalo Bayou which flows through West Houston and downtown.
But floodwater from the storm called Harvey is backing up into neighborhoods to the north and west behind the reservoirs, as well as flooding Buffalo Bayou from uncontrolled releases to the east.
“It’s the first time they’ve ever done it,” said Houston Fire Department Captain David Dean. “They don’t know where to expect the water to drain. It’s got to go to the Gulf, which is the lowest path it’s going to take.”
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Firefighters tried to explain the problem to residents. They helped evacuate an older woman with health problems whose home was surrounded by water.
“We try to reason with them, power of persuasion. Everyone has their own reasons for not leaving,” said Firefighter Paramedic Jeffery Smith.
The flooding in Ashford Forest edged up to that woman’s home by evening. But the sun finally came out in Houston Tuesday evening as the water continued to rise.
