City of Katy officials reported that the new Buc-ee's location near Hwy. 90 and Cane Island Parkway suffered minimal damage to its carwash, which is being billed as the "world's largest." The location held a soft opening Friday for first responders and the grand opening was scheduled for Monday.
In addition, the city said a portion of the roof at Pepperl+Fuchs's distribution center at 502 Cane Island Parkway, Katy, had peeled back and that several air conditioning units were damaged. No closed or flooded streets were reported within city limits as of 2:56 p.m. Saturday.
Updated 2:48 p.m. Aug. 26
The Greater Houston area is reacting to the second day of Hurricane Harvey's effects in the Gulf Coast region. Flash flood and tornado warnings are in effect as the conditions were downgraded to tropical storm status.
At midday, Katy Mayor Chuck Brawner released a video statement saying the city had suffered minor flooding and tornado damage. He asked drivers to ensure they did not create wakes in the roadway that could push water into homes and businesses.
The city's Office of Emergency Management was also keeping residents informed on social media Saturday.
Around the area, the last 24 hours saw varying rainfall levels — the lowest being 3.64 inches near Barker Cypress and Clay Roads, and the highest being 7.36 inches near Kingsland Boulevard and Pederson Road — according to the Harris County Flood Warning system.
Simon VanDyk, public information officer for Harris County Emergency Services District No. 48, said that overnight rains required one rescue near South Fry Road and Westheimer Parkway, close to George Bush Park.
"Other than that it’s been fairly light," he said. "Fortunately it did not hit our district too hard. The Fort Bend [County] side of Katy has been getting the most of it."
One Katy business in Fort Bend County was damaged by a tornado, although no injuries were reported at the scene.
CenterPoint Energy's online outage tracker showed a cluster of locations without power between I-10 and Crossover Road, west of Katy-Flewellen Road, around 1:52 p.m.
Updated 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25
While the city of Katy, Harris County and Fort Bend County officials take precautions for Hurricane Harvey's landfall in the Greater Houston area Friday evening, residents are making their own plans.
For updates or tips on weather preparedness, roads to avoid and other information, visit communityimpact.com.
More information can also be found through Community Impact Newspaper's media partner at ABC13 Houston, the city of Katy Office of Emergency Management, The Houston Transtar and the Harris County Flood Control District.
Here's what people in the area are saying on social media:
Hurricane Harvey is now a category 4 storm with winds of 130 mph. Get prepared. Stay informed. Check on your... https://t.co/jQJu0A6h9d
— Katy Fire Department (@KatyFireDept) August 25, 2017
I would’ve gone if I didn’t have to drive there from katy in a hurricane lol
— Michael B (@MichaelMFB) August 25, 2017
Riding it out here in Katy..outside Houston 4 now! Flooding & power outages r the worry! No power in humid heat not very fun! God bless TX!! https://t.co/NebZqcVqQW
— TexasGal (@Texas_Trump) August 25, 2017
Hurricane Harvey is now a category 3 hurricane. Make a plan. Get prepared. Stay informed.
— City of Katy OEM (@CityofKatyOEM) August 25, 2017
Debating if I'm going to stay home or make the 60 mile journey to Katy to stay with family during #HurricaneHarvey.
— Dannie (@HookedSprinkles) August 25, 2017
got the beer on ice and plenty of snacks. thanks, just worried about the flooding in the Katy area...so far so good
— Patty Pineapple (@psoren01) August 25, 2017
They've been stocking up in Katy, Texas near Houston ahead of Hurricane Harvey. Pictures taken yesterday courtesy of Renata Barroso Sandweg. pic.twitter.com/X8hmkSKbIK
— James Cook (@BBCJamesCook) August 25, 2017
KROGER CLEANED OUT: From Katy to Pearland, people are getting ready for #Harvey. Here's everything you need: https://t.co/FAOSqyiS7C pic.twitter.com/cmqOADYjQv
— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) August 24, 2017
Sister & family are in Katy, TX & will be riding out the storm. They don't live in a flood plain, but I'm still very nervous. #Harvey
— Becky DePodwin (@wx_becks) August 25, 2017
University of Houston campuses in Victoria, Katy closed in advance of Tropical Storm Harvey https://t.co/LnBXyQw4u8
— ACPA Campus Safety (@ACPA_CCSEP) August 25, 2017
Advisory Update: Katy, TX Conference Center is closed and all classes are postponed until Tuesday! #HurricaneHarveyhttps://t.co/5W85bGGimD
— PetroSkills Training (@PetroSkills) August 25, 2017