The Harris County Flood Control District with the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are closely monitoring Tropical Depression Harvey it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico. Conditions appear favorable for intensification of Harvey up to landfall somewhere along the mid-Texas coast Friday evening, with heavy rain impacts that could last through early next week.
The Harris County Flood Control District with the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are closely monitoring Tropical Depression Harvey it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico. Conditions appear favorable for intensification of Harvey up to landfall somewhere along the mid-Texas coast Friday evening, with heavy rain impacts that could last through early next week.
At 10 a.m. a tropical storm watch was issued for Harris County by the National Weather Service. The main concern with this weather system for Harris County is widespread rainfall amounts of 10-15 inches over the next five days. Rainfall of this magnitude can result in widespread and potentially dangerous river, creek and bayou flooding along with flash flooding.
The Harris County Flood Control District's Flood Operations team will monitor the weather system as it approaches and is taking the following steps in advance of the storm:
- Confirming proper operation of our 153 gages.
- Confirming appropriate levels of staff are available to respond and monitor the event.
- Preparing phone bank operations and will open, if needed.
- Inspecting trash racks to ensure they are clear of debris.
- Ensuring contractors working on Flood Control District projects are on-call to secure our construction sites prior to the onset of rainfall.
Whenever the forecast calls for possible heavy rainfall, Harris County residents are urged to monitor weather conditions, and to pay close attention to road conditions on their travel routes. Now is the time to review your family preparedness plan and be ready to put it into action.
When flooding is imminent the following are steps YOU CAN TAKE TO PREPARE:
- Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
- Confirm your family emergency kit is complete and ready.
- Contact your family members and confirm plan of action and alternatives.
- 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.
- Make sure their 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.
- Move vehicles to driveways or in parking garages.
- Secure patio furniture and any loose items that may be picked up by heavy winds.
- Take video of all your belongings and important documents in case they become damaged and needed for insurance claims.
- Remember to 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.
The Flood Control District urges all residents to monitor rainfall and bayou water levels on its Harris County Flood Warning System website at www.harriscountyfws.org. It is important for Harris County residents to be aware of conditions near their workplaces, schools and homes. Stay tuned to messages from emergency officials - distributed through the various media outlets. Be sure to also follow us on Twitter @HCFCD for live updates.