The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is tracking and monitoring a tropical disturbance currently over the Western Gulf of Mexico, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall possibly resulting in bayou and creek level rises and street flooding Wednesday and Thursday.
Widespread rainfall amounts of 4-6 inches will be likely over much of the area with isolated totals of 10-12 inches possible. The threat for creek, bayou, and river flooding will be increasing by mid-week as grounds become increasingly saturated and run-off increases. Residents should closely monitor weather forecasts, creek and bayou levels, and roadway conditions over the next 48 hours.
The tropical disturbance is expected to drift inland Tuesday night into Wednesday. Regardless if it develops into a named tropical system, residents should prepare for heavy rainfall and possible flooding. HCFCD is actively coordinating with its emergency operations partners at the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, San Jacinto River Authority, and National Weather Service.
The Flood Control District encourages residents to create an account and sign up for rainfall and water level alerts at www.fwsalerts.org. FWS Alerts will allow residents to customize which sensors they wish to receive alerts from and choose to receive them via text, email, or both. Be sure to also follow us on Twitter @HCFCD for updates. You can also take the following steps 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.
- Monitor rainfall and creek and bayou levels at www.harriscountyfws.org
- Debris should NOT be discarded 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.
- In areas that normally experience flooding, move vehicles to driveways or in parking garages as the storm approaches.
- 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.
- Move emergency supplies and valuables to a high, dry place in your residence.
- The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has disaster preparedness resources and the latest information about conditions in Harris County at readyharris.org.
- All residents in this area should carry flood insurance. Contact your 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.
ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure.