Torrential rains in northwest Harris County last week caused significant flooding problems in Tomball, but city officials say the situation went about as well as can be expected.

Pictured, drivers travelling along FM 2920 April 28 tried to avoid flood waters. Heavy rain over a three day period caused significant flooding in parts of Tomball and the surrounding areas.

Some lower-lying areas and city roads saw flooding of up to four feet, but emergency services personnel were fortunate not see some of the more serious problems that plagued parts of Houston.

According to Director of Public Works David Kaufman, there were no serious accidents or drivers caught in their vehicles due to rising water.

“I think we had enough breaks in the storm where things could run down a little,” he said. “But there was a heavy concentration of rain in a short of amount of time, and our systems were just overwhelmed. When we did get a reprieve, everything ran off relatively fast.”

Some motorists were stranded, however, when they drove their cars into high water. In some cases, Kaufman said, drivers removed barriers blocking roadways in attempts to make it through rising water.

Trouble spots that saw the most flooding included areas between SH 249 and South Cherry, along Holderrieth and other areas in the southern portion of the city.

Kaufman said that when the rains began April 24, Public Works officials began meeting with members of the Tomball Police and Fire Departments to identify possible issues the coming rains could have brought.

“We go into our same response mode as if it were a hurricane, a tornado or any kind of natural disaster,” Kaufman said. “It’s a standard response for all kinds of national emergencies.”

He also credited Tomball Police officers who, in the regular patrol of the city, would communicate with city officials about possible flooding areas.

“It’s good to have patrol officers who are already out there doing their police work who get involved and give us reports,” Kaufman said.

He reported that Spring Creek and other local tributaries “handled things probably better than expected.”

In the days following the heavy rains, city officials will inspect the drainage infrastructure for any possible fixes that may be needed.

“We’re in the process right now of compiling our data,” he said. “What the city will do with the information from this event is, we’ll compile and map it and get with the engineering department and identify problem areas. And that could have an impact on capital projects as far as priorities.”

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