Tropical Storm Barry, the second named storm of the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season has formed off the eastern Mexican coast.

Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami anticipate that Barry will move into Mexico and dissipate. No threat to the Texas coast is expected.

HCOHSEM will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Barry along with its partners at the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service. Updates will be issued only if needed.

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The City of La Porte Office of Emergency Management is reporting the following regarding an overturned truck at State Highways 225 and 146:

The exchange of HWY146/225 is closed in both directions due to an overturned truck. Both highways are shut down in both directions near this location, until further notice.  Cameras from Houston TranStar confirm heavy traffic congestion in the area. At this time the Fred Hartman Bridge and Highway 146 are open in both directions. 

Please avoid this area and follow traffic directions to allow emergency responders clear access to respond to the incident.

Emergency responders remain on scene.  More information will be provided by the City of La Porte as it becomes available.

For additional information, visit the City of La Porte website at http://www.ci.la-porte.tx.us/default.asp.

Traffic information is available on your computer or smartphone at www.houstontranstar.org.

Additional reports will be issued by the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) only if needed.

HCOHSEM remains at Level 4 – Normal Readiness. Normal Readiness means that no hazardous conditions are imminent and the normal operations of the Emergency Operations Center do not require the support of other agencies.

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Tropical Storm Andrea Forms in the Gulf of Mexico

Not a Threat to Texas

Tropical Storm Andrea, the first named storm of the 2013 hurricane season, has formed in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

At this time, Andrea is not expected to threaten the Texas coastline.

HCOHSEM will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Andrea along with its partners at the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service. Updates will be issued only if needed.

Did you know that you can also receive Harris County Alerts, access traffic and weather information and read our Twitter feed directly to your smartphone from our mobile site: http://m.readyharris.org?

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Harris County Public Library and Office of Emergency Management  Partner for Hurricane Preparedness

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) and the Harris County Public Library (HCPL) are joining forces to promote preparedness on Saturday, June 1^st – the official start of hurricane season.

On June 1^st, residents can pick up a free copy of the Are You Ready? DVD at all 26 Harris County Public Library branches.  The Are You Ready? DVD is a 15-minute disaster preparedness video that reinforces the importance of making a plan, building a kit and staying informed.  It is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese. Each language also has a subtitled version for the hearing impaired and an American Sign Language version as well.

"Our goal is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action before disaster strikes," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett.  “Libraries can help us spread the word.”

With Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 26-June 1) underway, Harris County residents are reminded that it is important to know about the hazards and risks associated with the upcoming season and take the necessary actions to protect loved ones, homes and businesses. 

“We believe libraries have a vital role in helping their communities prepare for disasters,” said Ron Lucik, Harris County Public Library interim director.  “The Are You Ready? DVD is a great tool.”

For library hours and locations visit www.hcpl.net.

The Are You Ready? video is also online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx7Rz-sirQ4.

To sign up for Harris County Alerts go to www.readyharris.org.  Follow HCOHSEM on Facebook and Twitter for up to the minute information.

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For Immediate Release

May 10, 2013

Severe Weather Expected Through the Weekend

Harris County Offers Safety Tips

(Harris County, TX) – The National Weather Service (NWS) is calling for severe weather through Saturday.  Thunderstorms, flash flooding, strong winds and hail are possible. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOSHEM) urges residents to use caution while on the roadways.

Remember that when the road is wet, the film of the water on the asphalt causes tires to lose traction.  The rain also reduces driver perception and decreases visibility.  While most people know to slow down in the rain, there are other tips that can save your life. 

• Allow for more travel time. You should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet.  Traffic is likely to be moving slower due to accidents or flooded roads.
• Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. Not only does this increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, it also lets the driver behind you know that you're slowing down.
• Avoid crossing flooded areas.  If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited.  Also, standing water can splash up into your car's engine compartment could damage its internal electrical systems.
• Turn on your headlights, even when there's a light sprinkle. It helps you see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see you.
• Watch out for pedestrians. Keep a sharp lookout for people in the road.
• Pull over and wait it out, if it's raining so hard that you can't see the road or the car in front of you,
• Give a truck or bus extra distance. Their extra-large tires can create enough spray to block your vision completely.  Avoid passing one, but if you must pass, do it as quickly as safety allows.
• Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up.

Play it smart, play it safe.  Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!  More at http://tadd.weather.gov/.

Residents can monitor weather conditions through the local media and at NWS www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx.

All watches and warnings issued by NWS will automatically feed to HCOHSEM Twitter and Facebook pages

http://www.facebook.com/hcohsem and http://www.twitter.com/hcohsem.

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The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) is pleased to present its 2012 Annual Report.  This report summarizes and highlights our work during the past year.

Every year, HCOHSEM reviews its plans, conducts exercises and collaborates with partners to improve our ability to respond to, recover from and mitigate against all disasters that could impact Harris County.  In 2012, we worked with our cities, first response agencies, health care facilities, animal response teams, volunteers and non-profit organizations to help prepare and protect our residents and business community during times of crisis.

We will continue to work hard each year to serve you as a national model of best practices.

Click here to download the report.

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