The National Weather Service has begun issuing Flash Flood Warnings for the Houston area due to very heavy rain from the outer bands of Hurricane Harvey. Houston is also under a Tornado Watch, meaning that tornadoes can form at any time.
Tornadoes have already formed and caused damage in neighboring communities this morning
Houston Residents should be aware of changing conditions and avoiding travel at this time.
Know what to do if a warning is issued for your area:
If a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area, avoid bayous/streams and creeks and seek higher ground. Remember, it only take a few inches of water to float a vehicle and most flood-related deaths happen on roadways. When you see water on the road, Turn Around, Don’t Drown®. Traveling during Flash Flooding not only puts your life at risk, but those of first responders as well.
If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor possible, and hold on to a sturdy object or fixture. Get In. Get Low. Hold On.
For up-to-date weather information, visit the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston forecast office website: weather.gov/houston.
For updated rainfall totals and stream/creek gauges, visit Harris County Flood Control District’s harriscountyfws.org.
The City of Houston Emergency Operations Center is activated and is posting updates at houstonemergency.org.