• How the disaster unfoldedMonday Morning: The degree of flooding only became fully known as daylight broke over the region Monday.Two men walk out of high water near Greens Bayou and Greens Rd., Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston. Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / © 2016 Houston Chronicle
Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle
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How the disaster unfolded

Monday Morning: The degree of flooding only became fully known as daylight broke over the region Monday.


Two men walk out of high water near Greens Bayou and Greens Rd., Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
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How the disaster unfolded

Monday Morning: The degree of flooding only became fully known as daylight broke over the region Monday.


Two men walk out of high water near Greens Bayou and Greens Rd., Monday, April
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Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle
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Commuters quickly discovered that roads small and large were covered with water, causing many to close completely throughout the day.


Traffic works its way northbound on I-45 North at Quitman as White Oak Bayou comes out of it's banks Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
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Commuters quickly discovered that roads small and large were covered with water, causing many to close completely throughout the day.

Traffic works its way northbound on I-45 North at Quitman as White Oak Bayou
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Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
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Rain continued to roll over the region throughout the morning.


A man rescues an armadillo from high water near Greens Bayou and Greens Rd. Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
Rain continued to roll over the region throughout the morning.

A man rescues an armadillo from high water near Greens Bayou and Greens Rd. Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle
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Homes in north Harris filled with water as creeks, rivers and bayous overflowed.


Craig Baldwin pauses outside his house while trying to clean up after the home was flooded in the Timber Lakes Timber Ridge subdivision on Monday, April 18, 2016, in The Woodlands.
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Homes in north Harris filled with water as creeks, rivers and bayous overflowed.

Craig Baldwin pauses outside his house while trying to clean up after the home was flooded in the Timber Lakes Timber Ridge
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Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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There was more trouble along the region's major thoroughfares.


Edgar Peneda, of Roadway Construction, inspects a collapsed retention wall along eastbound U.S. Highway 290 at Huffmeister after heavy rain on Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston, Texas.
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There was more trouble along the region's major thoroughfares.

Edgar Peneda, of Roadway Construction, inspects a collapsed retention wall along eastbound U.S. Highway 290 at Huffmeister after heavy rain on
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Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle
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Many took the opportunity to find fun in the flooded streets of the area.


Taylor Read, let, and Shane Good make their way down Memorial Parkway on kayaks following flooding on Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
Many took the opportunity to find fun in the flooded streets of the area.

Taylor Read, let, and Shane Good make their way down Memorial Parkway on kayaks following flooding on Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Meanwhile, back in north Harris County, a flooded Cypress Creek began to cause trouble for animals, people and houses alike.


Locals work to rescue up to 70 horses along Cypresswood Drive near Humble along Cypress Creek, Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
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Meanwhile, back in north Harris County, a flooded Cypress Creek began to cause trouble for animals, people and houses alike.

Locals work to rescue up to 70 horses along Cypresswood Drive near Humble along
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Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle
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By the afternoon it became clear that residents of Northwest Houston were in dire need of help as apartments and homes were inundated with water and streets were impassable.


Residents of their Arbor Court apartments evacuate their flooded apartment complex in the Greenspoint area on Monday, April 18, 2016.
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By the afternoon it became clear that residents of Northwest Houston were in dire need of help as apartments and homes were inundated with water and streets were impassable.

Residents of their Arbor Court
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Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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The count of fatalities from the storm slowly began to rise as the water level receded in some area underpasses.


The Harris County Medical Examiners office remove at least one body from a car at the 610 North ramp near Westpark Drive, after drivers got trapped in flood waters in that location, Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
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The count of fatalities from the storm slowly began to rise as the water level receded in some area underpasses.

The Harris County Medical Examiners office remove at least one body from a car at the 610 North
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Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
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Walter Norman holds his head in his hands as flood waters and oil float past his apartment in the Greenspoint area Monday, April 18, 2016 in Houston.
Walter Norman holds his head in his hands as flood waters and oil float past his apartment in the Greenspoint area Monday, April 18, 2016 in Houston.
Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
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Authorities began to answer the call for help, setting up shelters in Northwest Houston.


People evacuate from Arbor Court Apartments in the Greenspoint area Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
Authorities began to answer the call for help, setting up shelters in Northwest Houston.

People evacuate from Arbor Court Apartments in the Greenspoint area Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
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People evacuate from Arbor Court Apartments in the Greenspoint area Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
People evacuate from Arbor Court Apartments in the Greenspoint area Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston.
Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
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The Meyerland area was again hit hard by the flooding, destroying many of the repairs that had been done after last year's May flood.


Lindsay Ellard becomes emotional as she embraces her 16-month-old son Henry, after they were evacuated from their Meyerland home, Monday, April 18, 2016, in Houston. "This is his second flood like this," she said.
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The Meyerland area was again hit hard by the flooding, destroying many of the repairs that had been done after last year's May flood.

Lindsay Ellard becomes emotional as she embraces her 16-month-old son Henry,
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Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle
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By nightfall many area residents found themselves without homes and seeking refuge in shelters.


Robert Davis holds his head in his hand as he sits at the Red Cross Shelter at the MO Campbell Educational Center after his apartment was flooded Monday, April 18, 2016 in Houston.
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By nightfall many area residents found themselves without homes and seeking refuge in shelters.

Robert Davis holds his head in his hand as he sits at the Red Cross Shelter at the MO Campbell Educational Center
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Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle
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Tuesday Morning: The extent of the flooding became clear as the Cypresswood area filled with water.


The Wimbledon Champions Park subdivision is inundated by floodwaters in the Cypresswood area on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Houston.
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Tuesday Morning: The extent of the flooding became clear as the Cypresswood area filled with water.

The Wimbledon Champions Park subdivision is inundated by floodwaters in the Cypresswood area on Tuesday, April
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Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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A new round of rescues continued on Tuesday morning as the number of areas effected by the storm and flooding grew.


Emergency personnel lift a woman in a wheelchair into a transort truck as they evacuate elderly residents of Atria Cypresswood, 6611 Cypresswood Dr., Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Spring.
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A new round of rescues continued on Tuesday morning as the number of areas effected by the storm and flooding grew.

Emergency personnel lift a woman in a wheelchair into a transort truck as they evacuate elderly
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Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
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In some areas of town, as flood waters went down, it was time to start trying to clean up.


A day after a major flood Arbor Court Apartment resident Chelsea Williams removes her 2014 High School photos from her bedroom wall Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Houston.
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In some areas of town, as flood waters went down, it was time to start trying to clean up.

A day after a major flood Arbor Court Apartment resident Chelsea Williams removes her 2014 High School photos from her
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Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle
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But water was still rising in several other areas.


A group of people wade out of floodwaters, floating some belongings and a dog with them, in the Westador area on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Houston.
But water was still rising in several other areas.

A group of people wade out of floodwaters, floating some belongings and a dog with them, in the Westador area on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Houston.
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Road crew workers clean off debris and water off of an exit ramp at 601 and Hardy Tollway on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Houston.
Road crew workers clean off debris and water off of an exit ramp at 601 and Hardy Tollway on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Houston.
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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More flood victims were discovered Tuesday as previously inaccessible areas dried out.


Linda Rodriguez, far right, along with other family members, react after seeing a white SUV, that is believed to belong to a 25-year-old family member, that was towed from the off ramp from the West Park Toll Way onto Post Oak Blvd. Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Houston. The SUV was submerged in flood water caused by the recent storm. Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Houston, Texas.
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More flood victims were discovered Tuesday as previously inaccessible areas dried out.

Linda Rodriguez, far right, along with other family members, react after seeing a white SUV, that is believed to belong to a
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Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle
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New threats from flooding became apparent west of Houston as area rivers swelled from continuing rain across Texas.


A truck sticks out of the floodwater at I-10 in Brookshire, after it was pulled up by a tow truck and members of the Texas Task Force 1, checked for possible victims, Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Brookshire.
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New threats from flooding became apparent west of Houston as area rivers swelled from continuing rain across Texas.

A truck sticks out of the floodwater at I-10 in Brookshire, after it was pulled up by a tow
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Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
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Wednesday Morning: Waters continued to rise in areas north of Houston as authorities continued search and rescue operations.


Melissa Ramirez and her pets Samantha (left) and Ella were rescued from the One Westfield Lakes Apartments Wednesday, April 20, 2016, in Spring.
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Wednesday Morning: Waters continued to rise in areas north of Houston as authorities continued search and rescue operations.

Melissa Ramirez and her pets Samantha (left) and Ella were rescued from the One
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Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle
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More people found themselves in living in shelters as flooding continued.


Stacey Wilson eat lunch with her daughter, Dare'a Taylor, 2, and son, Darren Taylor, 8, right, at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center, 1865 Aldine Bender Road, a Red Cross shelter, Wednesday, April 20, 2016, in Houston. James Coney Island, Burns BBQ, Taco Cabana, and Papa John's Pizza provided lunch.
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More people found themselves in living in shelters as flooding continued.

Stacey Wilson eat lunch with her daughter, Dare'a Taylor, 2, and son, Darren Taylor, 8, right, at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center,
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Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
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Jazz Chapel, holds her baby, Jaynna, while picking up a slice of pizza being served by Houston Texans players in the shelter at the M.O. Campbell Center on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, in Houston. The players handed out gift cards, pillows and served pizza. less
Jazz Chapel, holds her baby, Jaynna, while picking up a slice of pizza being served by Houston Texans players in the shelter at the M.O. Campbell Center on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, in Houston. The players ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Thursday Morning: The Colorado River swells over its banks and a new round of evacuations in a new part of the region begin.


Lower Colorado River Authority push a rescue boat to deeper waters as they go search for neighbors who ignored the evacuation notice on Thursday, April 21, 2016, in Wharton.
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Thursday Morning: The Colorado River swells over its banks and a new round of evacuations in a new part of the region begin.

Lower Colorado River Authority push a rescue boat to deeper waters as they go search
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Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Aaron Phillips carries his step son J'Dynn through the water as they evacuate their home on Thursday, April 21, 2016, in Wharton.
Aaron Phillips carries his step son J'Dynn through the water as they evacuate their home on Thursday, April 21, 2016, in Wharton.
Photo: J. Patric Schneider, For The Chronicle
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Evacuation orders were given in Wharton on Thursday.


Linda Sanders yells at her husband as she refuses to leave her home while members of the Lower Colorado River Authority check in on her as the Colorado River floods onto the street in her neighborhood on Thursday, April 21, 2016, in Wharton.
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Evacuation orders were given in Wharton on Thursday.

Linda Sanders yells at her husband as she refuses to leave her home while members of the Lower Colorado River Authority check in on her as the Colorado River
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Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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A new threat to west Houston develops as the Addicks and Barker Resevoirs begin to reach their limits.


A man throws a cast net into the Buffalo Bayou with the Barker Dam and Barker Reservoir in the background Thursday, April 21, 2016, in Houston, Texas. The Barker Reservoir and Barker Dam in conjunction with the Addicks Reservoir prevent downstream flooding of Buffalo Bayou in the City of Houston.
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A new threat to west Houston develops as the Addicks and Barker Resevoirs begin to reach their limits.

A man throws a cast net into the Buffalo Bayou with the Barker Dam and Barker Reservoir in the background
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Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle
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Bill Krampe, engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers, opens one of the levy's by a foot out of the Addicks Reservoir on Thursday, April 21, 2016, in Houston. The reservoir was at a record depth after this week's rainfall. less
Bill Krampe, engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers, opens one of the levy's by a foot out of the Addicks Reservoir on Thursday, April 21, 2016, in Houston. The reservoir was at a record depth after this ... more
Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle
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Last year, Houston was suffering one of its worst wet spells in history.

Appropriately named the "Tax Day Floods," the storm system dropped as much as 17 inches of rain in parts of the city from April 17 to 18. After it was all said and done, eight people died, and over 700 homes and apartments were flooded.

The trouble began during the overnight hours of April 17 when a group of thunderstorms decided to sit right on top of the Greater Houston area. As the morning hours crept in, rains were already hitting 4 inches per hour.

AERIAL PHOTOS: Get a different perspective of the Tax Day Floods

Highway 6 in west Houston was one of the hardest-hit areas. Between Clay Road and Park Row, high waters had completely overtaken the roadway, despite the nearby reservoir. It would take several weeks before it finally reopened.

Possibly one of the more annoying moments that had occurred throughout the ordeal was the emergence of fake information propagated on social media. Unscrupulous Twitter users announced school district closures, and others used their photo editing skills to show sharks wandering around floodwaters.

RAW VIDEO: Drowning horses fight for survival in flood waters near Houston

Flood victims, especially those in the Greenspoint area, had to abandon their homes due to the storm. Worse, the city's response to their situation was deemed too slow. Just several months into the job, Mayor Sylvester Turner had to apologize to the 1,000 or so people who showed up at community meetings and voiced their concerns.

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