Heavy rain soak roads, celebrations on July 4

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Thunderstorms pushed through the Houston area, soaking July Fourth celebrations on Wednesday.

Several flash flood warnings were in effect for several area counties until the early afternoon hours, and a flash flood watch expired on Wednesday night.

Late Wednesday night, Meteorologist Jeff Lindner with the Harris County Flood Control District said the West Fork of the San Jacinto River had risen above flood stage and would rise another .5 feet overnight. He said minor flooding along the river, especially in the Northshore subdivision was likely mainly to roads. US 59 turnarounds would also likely be impacted. 

Some of Wednesday's storms produced rainfall rates of over 4-8" across much of Houston. The rain caused high water areas on streets and highways across the area. Public officials encouraged motorists to stay off the roadways if possible. At around 2:40 p.m., Houston police said teams had responded to 127 stranded motorist calls. Motorists who need to locate vehicles that have been towed should call 3-1-1 or 713-308-8580 for information. You can also go to findmytowedcar.com/home.

Weather concerns have led a few local officials to cancel Independence Day celebrations. The Freedom Over Texas celebration has been canceled, except for the fireworks display which will begin at 9:35 p.m. There will be no public entry to the Eleanor Tinsley Park fairgrounds for fireworks, due to flooding and public safety concerns.  

Tomball canceled its annual July Fourth celebration and street festival. Katy called off its events at the Katy Fire Station and Katy Heritage Park, but fireworks at Katy Mills-Typhoon Texas are still on. Galena park canceled its Fourth of July festival, but officials say fireworks at dusk are still on the schedule. Finally, the La Porte Rotary Club Parade and the south Montgomery County parade in the Woodlands are both canceled.

For a list of events that have been canceled and events that are still happening, click here.