Beta expected to make landfall later today around Matagorda Bay
HOUSTON, TEXAS – September 21, 2020 – The Harris County Flood Control District is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Beta and its threat of potential impacts to our area. The slow-moving tropical storm is expected to make landfall later today around Matagorda Bay. Low lying roadways near the coast are experiencing flooding this morning from high tides in the Clear Lake, Shoreacres and Rio Villa areas. Rainfall amounts are currently expected to be between 4-8 inches south of I-10 with lower amounts north of I-10. Rises in area creeks and bayous will be possible, but widespread flooding is currently not expected.
The Flood Control District encourages residents to create an account and sign up for rainfall and water level alerts at fwsalerts.org. FWS Alerts allow residents to customize the sensors they receive alerts from and choose to receive them via text, email, or both.
The Flood Control District encourages residents to take the following precautions when heavy rainfall and potential flooding is expected:
- Make sure storm drains and culverts are clear from debris. Clogged drains and culverts can prevent water from traveling to the bayous and tributaries, causing street flooding, and possible house flooding, depending on the amount of rain we receive.
- In areas that normally experience flooding, move vehicles to driveways or in parking garages as the storm approaches.
- Move emergency supplies and valuables to a high, dry place in your residence.
- Never drive into high water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Less than two feet of water can float and wash away a vehicle. Be especially cautious at underpasses and at night when water across roadways can be difficult to see.
- Refrain from discarding debris in areas bayous, streams and ditches. Debris should be put in trash bins and then brought inside into garages or backyards, away from drainage ditches and storm sewers.
- Monitor rainfall and creek and bayou levels at harriscountyfws.org.
- View the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management disaster preparedness resources at readyharris.org.
- Carry flood insurance. Residents should contact their insurance agent for more information about purchasing flood insurance or visit the National Flood Insurance Program at fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program or call 1-888-379-9531. Please keep in mind that new insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect.