Dangerous flooding event continues for the entire county. Multiple Watches and Warnings will likely continue to be issued overnight. A Flash flood threat is in effect until further notice, likely until at least Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service, six to ten inches of additional rain are possible from heavier rain bands feeding in from the south.
This is a dangerous flooding event for the entire county. Expect multiple Watches and Warnings to be issued. Listen to local officials and trusted sources for the latest information. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains at Level 1 (Maximum Readiness). HCOHSEM will continue to monitor forecasts and weather developments along with the National Weather Service and the Harris County Flood Control District. More than 40 organizations are represented in the Emergency Operations Center.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency situation call 9-1-1. If you are placed on hold, DO NOT HANG UP. If you cannot get through, KEEP TRYING. If you are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency, stay in a safe place. It is important not to overload the systems at the emergency call centers with non-emergency calls, especially during the time of the storm.
DO NOT contact 9-1-1 to check on the status of the weather, flooded roads, road closures, power outages or other nonemergency inquiries. 3-1-1 for the Houston area and 2-1- have been inundated with calls. Please stay on the line. If you cannot get through, call again. If water is entering your home move to a higher floor or the roof.
DO NOT go into attic spaces where first responders cannot get to you. Heavy rainfall is expected for the next several days. Monitor latest rainfall amounts at www.harriscountyfws.org. •Turn Around, Don’t Drown! ® DO NOT DRIVE through high water and DO NOT DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES! Just 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
DO NOT WALK through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down. • If your home floods, STAY THERE. You are safer at home than trying to navigate flooded streets on foot. • If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is NOT MOVING, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter MOVING water.
STAY AWAY from streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
MOVE important items – especially important documents like insurance policies – to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.
DISCONNECT electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
Download HCOHSEM’s ReadyHarris mobile app (http://bit.ly/ReadyHarrisApp). The free app puts the power to build a personalized preparedness plan in the palm of your hand and is available for both Apple and Android devices. 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 www.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.
