Houston, Harris County Prepare For Possible Flooding

HOUSTON, TX — A storm that is expected to dump several inches of rain with the potential for flash flooding has local officials on high alert. The Houston Emergency Management Center, and the Harris County Office of Emergency Management will activate at 4 p.m. Friday, less than 24 hours after both facilities stood down after the funeral of George H. W. Bush on Thursday.

Heavy rain with the potential for flash flooding and tornadoes is forecast to begin impacting areas north of Harris County Friday afternoon, and move southeast in the evening through early Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch from noon Friday until noon Saturday ahead of the storm.

Local leaders have been preparing for the storm for several days.

Houston City Councilman Dave Martin, who represents residents in Kingwood and Clear Lake on the council, announced levels in Lake Houston would be lowered about 18 inches ahead of the storm.

Meanwhile, police and fire departments in Harris County are prepared for potential flooding with high-water rescue vehicles and boats in the event of flash flooding.

On Friday, the Houston Fire Department unveiled its newest high-water rescue vehicle, assigned to HFD Station #84 located at 320 Gears Road near the flood-prone area of Greenspoint.

Some areas of the county could see between 4-11 inches of rain from this storm, according to local forecasts, and that means residents near area creeks and bayous could see flooding.

Residents who want to monitor the flood levels in creeks and bayous can click here to use the interactive map located at the Harris County Flood Control District webpage.

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Image: Houston Fire Department

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