Flash Flood Watch In Effect from Midnight Tonight Through Thursday Morning: Simple Ways to Reduce Flood Risk

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for most of southeast Texas. The three graphics below tell the story.

Expect Heavy Rain Late Tonight but More Likely on Wednesday

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop tonight as a surge of tropical moisture approaches Southeast Texas and merges with a low coming from the west.

Rainfall rates could reach 2 to 3 inches per hour at times. Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected across Southeast Texas by Wednesday evening with isolated totals exceeding 6 inches. The heaviest rainfall is expected to fall along and east of the I-69/US 59 corridor.

Those totals are close to what we experienced in early May.

Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist warned, “A low level convergence boundary may become established between the US 59 corridor and the coast and help to organize and focus thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. This pattern remains in place Wednesday and Wednesday night while 91L moves up the TX coast and likely either across SE TX or just offshore over our coastal waters.”

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Street Flooding Likely; Significant Rises on Bayous/Creeks Possible

Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely.

Vehicles caught in rising water should be abandoned quickly. If your vehicle stalls…abandon it and seek higher ground immediately. Rapidly rising water may engulf your vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. Move to higher ground.

Check Drains and Creeks Near You; Park on High Ground

During storms last month, yard debris (leaves, twigs, small branches, grass clippings, etc.) washed into sewers and drainage ditches. Also, in places, large trees had fallen into creeks and ditches due to bank erosion. Flooding doesn’t always come from the river. It can come from blockages anywhere in the drainage system.

So while the weather is still nice today:

• Make sure your drains are clear
• Do not stack branches or garbage where they could back up water
• If you live near a creek or drainage ditch, walk it. Look for downed trees. Focus on areas downstream from you that could back water up onto your property.
• Report clogged street drains to City of Houston by calling 3-1-1. Have address ready when you call.
• Report downed trees in ditches to Harris County Flood Control or call 713-684-4197.
• Park your car on high ground.
• Move valuables and important papers to an upper floor or top shelf.
• Make sure your cell phone and weather radio batteries are fully charged; have backup batteries in case of power outages.

Attention Vacationers: Coastal Forecast is Rough

Winds will begin to increase this afternoon and evening over the coastal waters which will help to build seas on Wednesday. Tides are forecasted to reach near 3.5-4.0 ft on Wednesday which may cause minor coastal flooding on Bolivar and low lying coastal area on the west end of Galveston, Surfside, and in SE Harris County. A coastal flood advisory may be required on Wednesday.  

Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/4/19

644 Days after Hurricane Harvey