FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 07, 2019
Heavy Rainfall Moving Through Harris County Tonight
05-07-2019
Heavy Rainfall Moving Through Harris County Tonight
Rainfall exceeding forecasted levels has moved across Harris County, causing isolated street flooding and a rise in river and bayou levels. The National Weather Service (NWS) anticipates that rain will continue for the next several hours.
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management is moving to Level III – Increased Readiness in response to this developing situation. We are activating the Emergency Operations Center with the support of the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
While most of the county has seen about .5 inches of rain, Kingwood and other communities in northeast Harris County have received more than 6 inches of rain. NWS is forecasting 5-8 inches of rainfall with 9-12 inches in isolated spots over the next week. The primary threat will shift to high water levels in rivers and bayous as accumulated rainfall drains to the Gulf of Mexico.
Roadway flooding has occurred in the Meyerland area and flood gauges along Keegan’s Bayou near the Harris-Brazoria County line have measured nearly five inches of rain. HCFCD is monitoring these locations closely. You can see rainfall totals at www.harriscountyfws.org and check driving conditions before getting on the road at www.houstontranstar.org.
City of Houston responders have been conducting high-water rescues where roads have become impassable. The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Kingwood First Baptist Church at 3500 Woodland Hills Dr. Kingwood residents in need of more information can dial 311. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo reminds residents to stay informed by tuning into both traditional and online media, including @ReadyHarris on Twitter. NWS will likely issue multiple warnings over the course of the evening. Residents are urged to monitor the weather closely. Significant rainfall levels are expected to continue into the weekend.
Flooded roadways may persist as rainwater flows into drainage systems. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, never drive into high water and use extreme caution at underpasses and low-lying areas where water accumulates. Water-covered areas may be more difficult to see during nighttime hours, making driving conditions more dangerous.
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MESSAGE ID# 333156318199938