Flooding Strands Dwight Howard, Rockets Fans in Stadium Overnight

Massive flooding in central and eastern Texas hit Houston Monday night, stranding Houston Rockets star Dwight Howard and scores of Rockets fans in the Toyota Center overnight.

“Toyota Center is advising fans to stay in seats after game due to severe weather outside,” read the center screen just before the end of the Western Conference Final game. “Be safe.”

Those choosing to stay — including Howard and announcer Craig Ackerman — were stuck in the stadium until 5:30.

“There’s no need to try to push it,” Howard said. “One of my friends just hit me up and said he’s stuck on the highway now. I don’t think it’s smart for anybody to try to be out on this weather.”

Fans stuck inside the Toyota Center following the Rockets game due to severe weather outside. pic.twitter.com/Xe99D5Oq3l

— Simone Eli (@SimoneEli_KPRC) May 26, 2015

Still here at Toyota Center ☔️

— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) May 26, 2015

More from tonight's bad weather festivities after the #Rockets game. pic.twitter.com/GOl5D8SOww

— Adam Clanton (@adamclanton) May 26, 2015

“It would have been ugly tonight if we’d have lost and had to stay in the arena,” Howard added.

Torrential rains south of Austin swelled the Blanco River to 27 feet above flood level, killing four and destroying at least 500 homes. More rain is expected in the coming days.

Watch the clip below, via NBC News:

[h/t Houston Chronicle]

[Image via screengrab]

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