500-Year Flood' Forces NBA Fans and Players to Stay in Arena After Playoff Game Ends

Houston, Texas is the latest big city hit by the massive rainstorms pounding the state. The volume of water paralyzed the city and was so intense, forecasters were calling it a "500-year flood' -- or something FEMA defines as a flood event with a 0.2-percent chance of happening again each year.

As the city was getting soaked, the Houston Rockets were battling the Golden State Warriors inside the Toyota Center and trying to stay alive in the NBA playoffs.

Rain was coming down at an alarming rate with some areas near the Toyota Center arena measuring 10 inches of water. Fans were asked not to leave the building — even after the game.

Interesting... #Houston RT @00rocketgirl: Sleepover at Toyota Center! pic.twitter.com/QtceAw53cZ

— Chris Daniels (@ChrisDaniels5) May 26, 2015

Of course, Twitter took note.

@HoustonRockets @ca_rockets pic.twitter.com/r42JbWRjHq

— Deana Stoker (@DeanaStoker) May 26, 2015

Concession stands stayed open to provide "flood party food."

@LaurenMix965 @DwightHoward @ToyotaCenterTix #FloodPartysFood pic.twitter.com/mZYkArClwk

— Juan Beltran (@Deportes_Juan) May 26, 2015

At least one player, Houston center Dwight Howard visited the fans riding out the storm.

#Rockets Dwight Howard comforting fans stuck in the Toyota Center following the win. #HoustonFlood pic.twitter.com/IJR7TVycGM

— Simone Eli (@SimoneEli_KPRC) May 26, 2015

A local radio personality spent the night, celebrating the Rockets' win and hanging out with fans.

STILL at @ToyotaCenterTix after flooding caused us @HoustonRockets fans to stay! @GMA #HoustonFlood @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/gAvCbQWaNi

— Lauren MIX 96-5 (@LaurenMix965) May 26, 2015

And the Houston Rockets' official Twitter account had some fun with the situation as well.

Historic rain falls in city of Houston - both inside and outside of Toyota Center as Rockets win Game 4 to stay alive pic.twitter.com/KFAJg80VzT

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) May 26, 2015

The flash flood warning lifted Tuesday morning, the waters receding and fans finally allowed to make their way home.

Finally home! Want to say a big thank you to @ToyotaCenterTix @HoustonRockets for letting us stay til the rain let up. #FlashFloodEMERGENCY

— Rosalinda Medellin (@lecj97) May 26, 2015

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