Hurricane Harvey made landfall near Rockport, Texas Friday evening as a Category 4 storm with winds around 130 mph. Hurricane Harvey has weakened after making landfall and is now a Category 1 storm. Harris County officials are monitoring the situation as rain bands move into west and southwest Harris County.
Hurricane Harvey made landfall near Rockport, Texas Friday evening as a Category 4 storm with winds around 130 mph. Hurricane Harvey has weakened after making landfall and is now a Category 1 storm. Harris County officials are monitoring the situation as rain bands move into west and southwest Harris County. Overall the event will be transitioning to a flash flood/flood event today that will continue for the next several days. A Flash Flood Warning for south and central Harris County is in effect.
As of 6 a.m. rainfall amounts averaged one to three inches in the last six hours across the county. Strong feeder bands will continue to approach from south-southwest Harris County and converge with numerous incoming cells moving inland off the Gulf of Mexico. Street flooding is the main concern at this time, but rises on creeks and bayous will commence with these heavy rains. The Harris County Flood Operations team monitors our network of gages and due to quickly moving rain bands, these conditions can change rapidly. The following is a list of area bayou conditions:
Out of banks:
- South Mayde Creek at Greenhouse Road – level is currently steady
Near bankfull:
- Buffalo Bayou at Peek Road level is currently steady
- Keegans Bayou at Roark Road level is currently steady
- Little Cypress Creek at Becker Road level is currently steady
- Chigger Creek at Windsong Trail level is currently steady
- Clear Creek at Bay Area Boulevard level is currently steady
- Greens Bayou at Aldine Westfield Road is rising
Several high water locations are currently being reported. Please check the Houston Transtar website at http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/roadclosures/#highwater. With heavy rainfall comes the threat of flooding, so it is important for Harris County residents to be aware of conditions near their workplaces, schools and homes. The Flood Control District urges all residents to monitor rainfall and bayou water levels on its mobile-friendly Harris County Flood Warning System website at www.harriscountyfws.org. The District’s Flood Operations team constantly monitors the data and works during severe weather events to advise the public and local officials of areas that are and could be affected by flooding. Be sure to also follow us on Twitter @HCFCD for live updates.
REMINDER: Do not drive or walk into high-water areas. Residents should remain in place and only travel if absolutely needed. If faced with flooding, STAY PUT wherever you are, unless your life is threatened or you are ordered to evacuate.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is monitoring the Addicks and Barker dams and reservoirs on an around-the-clock basis to ensure continued operations and integrity of the structures, which have protected greater Houston area residents against loss of life and property over the last 70 years. Both outlet gates were closed at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 25 and will remain closed until the threat of rain has expired. To learn more about the Addicks and Barker Dam Safety Program, visit www.swg.usace.army.mil/Missions/DamSafetyProgram.aspx. For more news and information, visit www.swg.usace.army.mil.
The Clear Creek Second Outlet gates were closed on Friday afternoon. Once conditions are safe, the Flood Control District crew will deploy to the site to assess any damages and open the gates. For more information regarding the Second Outlet gates visit www.hcfcd.org/projects-studies/clear-creek/second-outlet-channel-and-gated-structure.
The Flood Control District's Flood Operations team is in full operation and crews are out making necessary assessments around Harris County. The Flood Control District’s phone bank will remain open through the remainder of this event. Residents are urged to call with questions regarding flooding or to report any structural flooding at 713-684-4000. The Flood Control District works throughout the year to provide flood damage reduction benefits to the communities we serve.
Stay tuned and pay close attention to messages from emergency officials as this storm is quickly changing. Heed all advice given by local emergency officials. Evacuate only if you have been told to do so.
When flooding is imminent the following are steps YOU CAN TAKE DURING THE STORM:
- Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
- Remain in your home during the storm unless instructed to evacuate by local officials.
- Move emergency supplies and valuables to a high, dry place in your residence.
- Locate and put pets in a safe place.
- 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.
- 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.
- This flooding event is a reminder that 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.