Latest News

May 20, 10:00 AM – Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage / Forecast to Reach Minor Flood Stage / Hot and Humid Conditions for the Week

As of 9:15 AM on May 20, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 44.52 feet. The WGRFC forecast is showing the Brazos River through Richmond peaking just above Minor Flood Stage at Gage Elevation 45.20. This is approximately 0.5 feet lower than the peak last week. Below is a summary of the gages downstream of Hempstead.

The NWS forecast is calling for hot and humid conditions throughout the week as the lower Brazos River Watershed experiences an extended period of sunny to partly cloudy skies with low rain chances. The 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving less than ¼ inch of rain over the next 7 days. Based  on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated.

May 15, 5:15 PM – Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage / Forecast to Reach Minor Stage

As of 5:00 PM on May 16, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond is in Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 41.54 feet. Based on the forecasts and rainfall occurring upstream, the WGRFC shows the Brazos River through Richmond to slowly begin to rise. The WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River rising to Gage 46.40 feet around May 21. For reference, 46.40 is approximately 0.70’ higher than our previous 7 day peak. Similarly, gages upstream of Richmond are forecasted to rise.

Most of the lower Brazos River watershed, upstream of Fort Bend County, is in a Flood Watch through 7 AM Friday Morning. The Region, including the lower Brazos River watershed, has a slight to moderate risk of excessive rainfall through Friday morning. Areas north of I-10 could see widespread amounts between 3 to 6 inches with isolated areas of with higher amounts. Areas south of I-10 could see between 1 to 2 inches. Good news is that while the Brazos River could potentially rise to Minor Flood Stage, the forecast beyond Friday is showing Sunny to Partly Cloudy Skies with low rain chances. Based  on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated, but we are continuing to monitor the rainfall and its impacts on the Brazos River forecasts.

Please note, forecasts and conditions can change. Everyone is encouraged to stay weather aware by following their favorite local weather source, including the National Weather Service and the West Gulf River Forecast Center. If you have not ready done so, please remember to sign up for Emergency Updates from Fort Bend County.

May 13, 9:00AM – Brazos River Update – Brazos River in Action Stage and Falling

As of 8:15 AM on May 13, 2024, the Brazos River in Richmond has dropped back into Action Stage and is currently at Gage Elevation 44.9 feet. Based on the forecasts and rainfall occurring upstream, the WGRFC shows a slower fall through Richmond than previous forecasts. The WGRFC anticipates the Brazos River staying above Gage 39 feet through the end of the week. Below is a summary of the gages from Hempstead downstream.

The NWS continues to show severe weather for all of the Lower Brazos River Watershed and Region. There is an enhanced risk of severe weather with a marginal to slight risk of excessive rainfall through Tuesday morning. The forecast includes rainfall amounts between 1 to 3 inches with isolated higher amounts. After today, the region should see a break from the rain Tuesday and Wednesday; however, rain chances return Thursday into Friday. Confidence is low on the location and rainfall amounts so the forecast could change. This morning’s Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) is showing the lower Brazos River Watershed receiving between 1 to 3 inches of rain over the next 7 days. Based on the current forecast, no major flooding due to the Brazos River through Fort Bend County is anticipated.

Please note, forecasts and conditions can change. Everyone is encouraged to stay weather aware by following their favorite local weather source, including the National Weather Service and the West Gulf River Forecast Center. If you have not ready done so, please remember to sign up for Emergency Updates from Fort Bend County.