Historical Weather Events

7:00 AM

As of this time, the Brazos River is predicted to stay well below critical levels, (Gauge 45 at Richmond) throughout this event, therefore normal drainage for areas south of SH 6 should not be influenced by river levels.  For areas north of SH 6, Oyster Creek may experience levels higher than normal as local rainfall amounts accumulate.

For all areas within the district, local rainfall may cause street ponding, but can be expected to drain off after rainfall stops.  Use caution when driving near ponded water.  Do not attempt to drive through ponded water above curb height.  Exercise usual preparatory measures, such as stocking water, non-perishable food and medications, and securing loose outdoor items.

Please monitor weather updates/alerts and Fort Bend County Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OEM).

Residents should also monitor their respective city websites and news releases (City of Sugar Land OEM or Missouri City OEM) for safety advisories or evacuation notices, as the situation can change rapidly.

As of Noon Sunday, September 20, 2020, the Brazos River Richmond gauge is at Stage 14.4 and is expected to continue falling over the next several days. Tropical Storm Beta is currently predicted to make landfall west of Fort Bend County on Monday evening, then make a turn to the northeast, with the Sugar Land/Missouri City area inside the cone of impacted areas. Rainfall predictions for the next 3 days are currently for as much as 10 inches, with most of that total predicted to occur on Monday. These conditions can create street ponding during the heavier rain bands, which should subside between bands.

The District’s Operator has implemented the Preparation Phase of the Emergency Action Plan. At this time, with the river predictions to be well below bank-full conditions, the District drainage facilities, both north and south of SH 6, will operate under gravity flow conditions. As conditions warrant, the District will post additional updates through this website and by text messaging for those residents signed up for that service.

Residents should monitor their respective City and County websites for information and news releases:

• City of Sugar Land OEM
• Fort Bend County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Missouri City OEM

Critical Elevations within the District are shown on the District’s website.

First Colony LID’s emergency response team is monitoring the Brazos River and local rainfall predictions of this event. As of 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, 9/17/2019, the accumulated rainfall in the FCLID area is less than 1.5 inches. NWS predictions are for several more inches, possibly up to 12 inches in the next two days. With Brazos River at approximately 10 feet, the District will remain in full gravity flow conditions. Should intense cells fall over the area, isolated street ponding may occur, but should clear quickly after the rains ends. All usual precautions for heavy rainfall should be taken by residents. Further postings will be made should the NWS predictions change significantly.

Useful Links

• NWS Brazos River Gauge
• City of Sugar Land OEM
• Missouri City OEM
• Fort Bend County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

After experiencing the major rain event of Hurricane Harvey last year (categorized between an 800 – 1,000 year event), the Board of Directors has been reviewing several possible projects that would result in better drainage of internal water detention. They range from improvements solely within First Colony LID to partnering with the County and other Districts on projects that would benefit several Districts and municipalities in the overall levee system. In every case, the Board will be leveraging FCLID members’ tax dollars to their best use ensuring FCLID continues to be a safe and dry District.

Currently a survey is underway for an additional detention lake by the south outfall structure. Progress and updates can be reviewed in the meeting minutes, posted on the website.