In the days after Hurricane Harvey’s landfall Aug. 25, widespread flooding displaced numerous residents throughout the Greater Houston area and caused property damage to homes and businesses.

Although the Lake Houston area sustained major flooding—receiving more than
30 inches of rain in four days—some nearby areas received
40 inches or more of rain in the same time span, according to the Harris County Flood Warning System.

The four-day, slow-moving storm caused flood damage across the entire Lake Houston area, said Jenna Armstrong, president of the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I know areas hit hard included Kingwood, Forest Cove and areas around the San Jacinto River,” Armstrong said. “[The] Northshire subdivision in Humble, many homes along Lake [Houston] and in the Summerwood area [were heavily affected].”

Jeff Krasuski, who lives in the Kings Harbor subdivision, said he saw the waters rise rapidly on West Lake Houston Parkway and threaten several homes and businesses.

Kings Harbor is located along Lake Houston in
Kingwood.   

“Anything on the ground levels got flooded,” Krasuski said. “We were kind of in an Atlantis wonderland over here.”

The cities of Houston and Humble in addition to Harris and Montgomery counties declared states of disaster for the area. However, residents and local government entities have banded together to volunteer before federal help arrives. 

Lake Houston area facilities, including the Humble Civic Center, Creekwood Middle School, World Christian Fellowship Church and Atascocita United Methodist Church, provided shelter for residents.

The city of Humble is also waiving fees associated with building permits to repair structures damaged by Hurricane Harvey until Sept. 29.

Homeowners, business owners and contractors will still be required to request a permit for building, electrical, plumbing and HVAC repairs, Assistant City Manager Jason Stuebe said.

“In light of the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey on our community, the city of Humble will be waiving all building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permit fees for work related to the recovery of homes and businesses,” Stuebe said.