HOUSTON — State and local leaders are doing what they can to make sure they're prepared if heavy rain causes flooding problems in Southeast Texas this week.
The forecast shows a storm system moving across the state this week that is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding. The eastern half of the state is at higher risk.
Harris County
Locally, the Harris County Office of Emergency Management will be activated at 9 a.m. Monday "to keep an eye on the weather," according to County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
Hidalgo said they're not expecting anything more than street flooding but they want to be ready just in case something worse happens.
City of Houston
The City of Houston also took some precautions ahead of the rain.
"Lake Houston has been lowered, I believe, by about 12 inches, which should be more than enough to cover what we're expecting for the storm," Brent Taylor said.
Taylor works with the City's Office of Emergency Management, which he said, will act at "increased readiness" starting Monday. Given the forecast, they're not expecting severe flooding impacts.
"Which is very in line with what the City's drainage system can handle, so there may be some street flooding, some ponding on roadways," Taylor said.
Public Works spent the last week clearing storm drains and ditches of debris. Taylor said they're also inspecting all underpasses with pumping stations to make sure water moves as fast as it should.
Texas
At the state level, the Texas Division of Emergency Management said it activated its resources on Sunday.
"As Texas prepares for the potential for disruptive wet weather this week, Texans are urged to avoid water-covered roadways and make a plan to stay safe from any flooded areas," EDEM Chief Nim Kidd. "With state emergency response resources ready to support the needs of local communities, Texans should monitor local weather forecasts and follow directions from local officials and emergency management personnel."
TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources to support flood response operations:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater boat squads, high-profile vehicles
- Texas National Guard: Personnel, high-profile vehicles
Additionally, TDEM has placed the following resources on standby to support flood operations as warranted:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Urban Search and Rescue Teams with boat capabilities
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens and boat squads
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Incident Management Teams and saw crews
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe weather packages
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Tactical Marine Unit and helicopters with hoist capabilities
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County said they're coordinating with key departments and keeping an eye on river levels.
Flood safety tips
- Know the types of flood risk in your area. Learn the basics of flooding.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provide emergency alerts.
- Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: texasready.gov
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
- Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
- Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas. Never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, turn around don’t drown.
- For more flood safety tips, visit TexasReady.gov.