PINEHURST, TEXAS — Residents of the Decker Oaks Estates neighborhood in Montgomery County say repeated flooding continues to impact their community, with conditions worsening significantly over the last four to five years. They report that flooding has become more frequent in the past several years and now regularly blocks access to their neighborhood, disrupts daily life, and raises serious health and safety concerns.

Flooding in Decker Oaks Estates leaves streets underwater and vehicles stranded, sometimes making the main entrance impassable. Residents say as little as an inch of rain falling in about an hour can flood the entrance, preventing many vehicles from getting through. When that happens, residents are forced to use a secondary entrance, which adds approximately 20 to 30 minutes to their commutes.

Sean Roberts, a resident, described the situation in stark terms: "You can’t get across." He added, "People can’t get in and out. They literally can’t pick up their kids from school, go to work." Roberts emphasized that "If you’re not in a really large truck, you just cannot get through." He called the flooding "a safety hazard, a property hazard," and urged, "Fix it. I think the county should step up and fix it."

Stacy Moquin, a homeowner and president of the Decker Oaks Estates HOA, said the problem has escalated dramatically. "I mean, it’s just gotten really, really bad," she said. Moquin noted that increased traffic using Hardin Store Road as a shortcut between The Woodlands and Tomball compounds the issue when flooding occurs. "People are coming from The Woodlands trying to go to Tomball and they cut through here," she said. She also highlighted broader concerns, stating residents worry about potential sewage backup and other health and safety issues related to flooding. "Homes flooding, us getting trapped," she said, adding, "I would like help. I’d like to get our drainage fixed in our neighborhood to keep our residents safe."

Residents believe drainage issues along Hardin Store Road and continued growth and development in the surrounding area have contributed to the worsening conditions. The neighborhood is located near Highway 249 and Hardin Store Road, which has been under reconstruction from Mill Creek to Decker Branch Bridge since 2025. Concerns extend beyond traffic delays, especially during the ongoing hurricane season. Residents also worry that emergency responders could face delays reaching homes if flooding blocks the primary access point.

Despite repeatedly raising their concerns with county officials and exploring possible grants and funding opportunities to improve drainage, residents say they are still waiting for a permanent solution to the flooding. Charlie Riley is the Montgomery County Precinct 2 Commissioner.