Brazos River still rising in Fort Bend County, evacuations ordered

FORT BEND (FOX 26) - The Brazos River was expected to crest sometime Tuesday night, but it continues to rise to record levels.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls said the current record was set in 1994, when the river hit 51 feet.  By Wednesday morning the river hit 54 feet.

Life-long residents say they have never seen the river overflow its banks to such an extent. The worst hit has been in the Simonton area near Fulshear.  But as the river continues to swell, other communities started to feel its impact with mandatory evacuations throughout Fort Bend County.

FM 359 which serves the community of Pecan Grove was shut down because of flooding. The drainage systems just couldn't their jobs, as water from the Brazos flowed into gutters.   Businesses along Highway 90A outside of Richmond near Pitts Road took precautions when murky water from the Brazos began lapping the edges of Highway 90A.

Meanwhile residents in the Kingdom Heights community off, FM 723 discovered the entrance to their subdivision was impassable.  Boats were ferrying residents to and from their homes. Most of FM 723 between FM 359 and Rosenberg was under water, turning the entire area into a lake.

By 6 p.m. Monday some homes closer to the river had started to take water.

Fortunately, Sheriff Neels said no one has been injured. The only emergencies have been animal and livestock rescues.