Hurricane Harvey continues to gain strength as it gets closer to touching down in Corpus Christi late Friday or early Saturday. Current projections suggest it will be a Category 3 hurricane by the time it reaches land.
In Harris County, officials warn that heavy rainfall and flooding are likely to be the biggest sources of damage. An evacuation has not been called for Harris County, but the National Weather Service forecasts that Houston will see close to 20 inches of rainfall over the course of the storm. A flash flood watch has been issued for the City of Houston from 4 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Monday.
The Harris County Flood Control District has also issued the following steps for residents to take to be prepared.
- Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
- Confirm your family emergency kit is complete and ready.
- Contact your family members and confirm plan of action and alternatives.
- Move emergency supplies and valuables to a high, dry place in your residence.
- Locate and put pets in a safe place.
- Your safest option is to stay put. However, if you must evacuate to a safe location or a shelter, take your emergency supply kit and tell your family check-in contact you’re leaving. Don’t drive through flooded streets.
- Make sure their storm drains and culverts are clear from debris. Clogged drains and culverts can prevent water from traveling to the bayous and tributaries, causing street flooding, and possible house flooding, depending on the amount of rain we receive.
- Debris should NOT be discarded in areas bayous, streams and ditches. Debris should be put in trash bins and then brought inside into garages or backyards away from drainage ditches and storm sewers.
- Winds can cause trees and branches to fall; trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
- Move vehicles to driveways or in parking garages.
- Secure patio furniture and any loose items that may be picked up by heavy winds.
- Take video of all your belongings and important documents in case they become damaged and needed for insurance claims.
- Remember to never drive into high water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Less than two feet of water can float and wash away a vehicle. Be especially cautious at underpasses and at night when water across roadways can be difficult to see.
Residents can also monitor rainfall and bayou water levels on the Harris County Flood Warning System website and follow the flood control district on Twitter @HCFCD for live updates.
Lane closures in the Greater Houston area have been suspended until further notice due to the storm, according to officials with the Texas Department of Transportation.
For a full list of what should be in your emergency kit, go here.
For a map of the floodplain in Harris County, go here.
