The San Jacinto River Authority—which is a state agency that works to conserve the water resources of the San Jacinto River watershed—has begun monitoring Lake Conroe water levels in preparation of the potentially severe weather event moving toward the area, according to a Dec. 6 news release from the agency. The National Weather Service Houston-Galveston branch stated in a Dec. 6 briefing the Houston area is forecasted to receive heavy rainfall beginning Friday, Dec. 7, with the potential for flash flooding beginning in the afternoon hours. The NWS predicts areas north of Houston, including Conroe and The Woodlands, will receive more than 4 inches of rain over the course of the weekend. In light of this the SJRA has implemented its standard protocols for severe weather events, including establishing 24-hour work schedules and testing all equipment. SJRA staff members are also coordinating with emergency operations, such as the Harris County Flood Control District and the Coastal Water Authority, according to the release. Additionally the news release also stated the SJRA will not prerelease water from the Lake Conroe dam, as prereleases can exacerbate downstream flooding.