The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is tracking and monitoring a tropical disturbance currently over Western Gulf of Mexico, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall possibly resulting in rises in bayou and creek levels and street flooding. A flash flood watch will be in effect for Harris County tonight through Thursday morning.
Heavy and persistent rainfall is expected to result in 2-4 inches widespread across Harris County with isolated higher totals. Residents should closely monitor roadway conditions and weather forecasts over the next 48 hours and DO NOT drive into any high water. Additionally, tides will be elevated along the coast and may result in minor flooding of low lying coastal areas in southeast Harris County on Wednesday at times of high tide. These areas include low-lying areas of Shoreacres, Nassau Bay, and Seabrook that are usually affected by higher than normal tides. The Clear Creek Outlet Gates were opened at 11:05 a.m. in anticipation of the heavy rainfall and to help expedite the flow of stormwater out of Clear Creek.
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. You can 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.
- 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.
- Winds can cause trees and branches to fall; trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
- 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.
- Locate and put pets in a safe place.
- Your safest option is to stay put. However, if you must evacuate to a safe location or a shelter, take your emergency supply kit and tell your family check-in contact you're leaving. Don't drive through flooded streets.
- 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.
- The Flood Control District urges all residents to monitor rainfall and bayou water levels on its Harris County Regional Flood Warning System website (desktop and mobile versions) at: harriscountyfws.org. Be sure to also follow us on Twitter @HCFCD for updates.
ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) 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.