Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin announced at 4:31 p.m. Tuesday that Houston Public Works will initiate the temporary lowering of Lake Houston within the hour. The City made this decision after taking into account the fast-changing nature of Hurricane Laura. The Coastal Water Authority will lower Lake Houston to 41.0 ft from 41.59, another six tenths of a foot, which is 18 inches below full pool.
Laura should arrive late tomorrow or early Thursday as a Category 3 storm. Hurricane conditions are expected in Chambers and Liberty County – with 45-60 mph winds east of I-45 throughout the Lake Houston Area.
Floodgates on Lake Houston Dam photographed on 6/16/2020.
2 to 4 Inches Expected
The National Hurricane Center predicts that Hurricane Laura will bring 2 – 4 inches of rain to the Lake Houston Area in the next few days. Isolated areas could receive 6 inches. These rainfall amounts exceed the 3 inch trigger to lower Lake Houston, said Martin.
Lake to Be Lowered Another 7.2 inches
As a result of these predicted rainfall amounts in addition to the rainfall that will be accumulated to our east, the Lake will be lowered gradually overnight from the current level, which is 41.6 ft down to an elevation of 41.0 ft. Six tenths of a foot is 7.2 inches.
The Lake will be maintained at a level of approximately 41.0 ft while there is an immediate inclement weather threat. Once that weather has moved out of our area, the Lake will be allowed to naturally refill from the storm’s runoff.
Some fluctuations in Lake level can be attributed to high winds so please keep that in mind when checking Lake levels.
Secure Shoreline Property NOW If You Have Not Already
Property owners were given notice Friday afternoon to secure property along the shoreline for a potential temporary lowering of Lake Houston. If you have not already done so now is the time to take action to secure your shoreline property.
Dave Martin, Mayor Pro Tem
The lake will be lowered at a cautious rate so as to not impact those living downstream. At the completion of this temporary lowering effort the total reduction in the level of Lake Houston from normal pool of 42.5 ft to 41.0 ft will be 1.5 feet.
Martin’s press release made no mention of the SJRA or Lake Conroe. Lake Conroe, which is farther west should receive less rain than Lake Houston from Laura.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/25/2020at 6 pm, based on a press release from Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin.
1092 Days after Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200616-RJR_3283.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=18001200adminadmin2020-08-25 17:51:182020-08-25 17:51:38Lake Houston Level Now Being Lowered in Advance of Hurricane Laura
These warnings were just issued by Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist, the National Hurricane Center, and City of Houston:
Hurricane warnings issued from San Luis Pass into Louisiana.
Landfall of a devastating hurricane likely between Galveston Bay and Sabine Pass tomorrow night.
Rush to complete preparations to protect life and property.
Heed all evacuation recommendations.
Discussion
Laura – now a hurricane with sustained winds of 75mph – is continuing to intensify. The hurricane will likely rapidly intensify over the next 24-36 hours, right up to landfall along the upper TX coast. The National Hurricane Center predicts Laura will become a major hurricane with sustained winds over 110 mph by tomorrow night or early Thursday morning when it makes landfall somewhere between Galveston Bay and Sabine Pass.
Track:
Everyone should be planning for the landfall of a very serious hurricane between Galveston Bay and Sabine Pass on the Louisiana border. Additional shifts in the track are possible that could bring the core of Laura into Galveston Bay and Harris/Galveston Counties.
The large wind field will result in strong winds likely 100-150 miles inland across east Texas.
Prepare for power outages extending well inland along with significant wind damage and extended outages.
Intensity:
Prepare for the impact of a major hurricane (cat 3 or higher). Once the inner core of Laura forms, significant intensification is likely, and conditions look very favorable for intensification.
Tropical Storm force winds will begin along the coast at around 8:00 pm Wednesday evening.
Advice from City, Lake Status
“Rainfall amounts in the Lake Houston Watershed over the next six days are expected to be 2 – 4 inches with isolated accumulation of 6 inches possible,” said Dave Martin. “Currently, the Lake Houston Watershed is dry and the projected impact to our area will be to our east with the largest possible impact expected along the East Fork of the San Jacinto River. Lake Houston is already down one foot from normal pool with the possibility of being lowered additionally, if necessary. Please make sure all property along the shoreline is secured in the event additional lowering is ordered.”
“Regardless of where this storm lands,” said Martin, “it is important all residents prepare themselves and have a plan. Hurricane Laura will likely be similar to Ike with severe wind impacts and power outages. The City of Houston has prepared resources to help you get ready for upcoming disasters and make sure you are prepared for this one. Please visit www.readyhoustontx.gov to learn more.
Actions
Prepare for the landfall of a major hurricane along the SE TX coast
Bring in anything in your yard, such as lawn furniture, that could become airborne.
All preparations will be to be competed by 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/24/2020 based on input from the National Hurricane Center and Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist.
1091 Days after Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/153403_earliest_reasonable_toa_no_wsp_34.png?fit=897%2C736&ssl=1736897adminadmin2020-08-25 12:30:512020-08-25 12:31:07Laura Intensifying into Major Hurricane; Prepare for Big Winds, Power Outages
Overnight, Laura turned into a hurricane. At 5:25 this morning, Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist, issued the following:
Hurricane Watches extended west to San Luis Pass…now include Harris and Galveston Counties
Major hurricane forecast in the NW Gulf of Mexico Wednesday
Enact hurricane plans now. Follow all recommendations from local officials.
At 7:00 a.m., he issued another warning saying that:
Laura upgraded to a hurricane…intensification will continue through landfall.
Mandatory evacuation order for Galveston Island effective immediately.
Discussion
Laura is now over the SE Gulf of Mexico and moving toward the WNW after having jogged westward overnight. Deep convection has developed over and near the center this morning. Some light northerly system continues to impact Laura, which continues to track to the south of predictions.
Track:
The steering pattern that will bring Laura to the NW Gulf of Mexico remains somewhat in flux this morning. Laura will turn northwest and then north. But uncertainty remains as to when Laura will make this turn. Overnight model guidance now delays this turn a little longer and brings Laura more toward the upper Texas coast. NHC may have to shift their forecast track a bit more westward later this morning.
Forecast track shifted back west overnight bringing Houston into cone of uncertainty.Track forecast could shift further westward later this morning, bringing Houston closer to center of storm.
While uncertainty remains in the eventual outcome of Laura, preparations for landfall of a major hurricane along the upper TX coast should be well underway.
Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist
Tropical storm force winds will begin to arrive along the coast Wednesday evening and spread inland Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Intensity:
A central core is starting to form with Laura and overall circulation of the system is looking better defined. Conditions in the central Gulf today favor a period of rapid intensification. Laura is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane along the SE TX/SW LA coast late Wednesday.
Laura is a fairly large storm and impacts will be far reaching from the impact point extending both west and east.
Tropical-storm-force winds currently extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km) from the center.
Impacts
Rainfall:
Will rainfall forecast at 2-4 inches east of I-45 and 1-3 inches west of I-45, but this may need to be increased later today. WPC has placed areas east of I-45 in a slight risk for flash flooding.
Most of Houston falls into the light and dark green bands on the left, predicted to get 1-4 inches of rain.NHC how gives the Houston Area a slight chance of flash flooding (10-20%).
Storm Surge:
Still looking at 2-4 feet above ground level in Galveston Bay and 4-6 feet on Bolivar with levels of 7-11 feet east of High Island into Louisiana. Should the track shift more west, these values around Galveston Bay would potentially need to be increased significantly.
Wind:
Tropical storm force winds will be moving into the area Wednesday evening. Expect winds of 40-50mph across Harris County northward along I-45 with hurricane conditions becoming increasingly likely over Liberty and Chambers Counties. Any additional shift westward in the track will bring stronger winds across the area.
Be prepared for power outages starting Wednesday evening.
Actions
Enact hurricane plans now.
Follow all recommendation on evacuation from local officials.
Storm Surge Watch is in effect for San Luis Pass Texas to Ocean Springs Mississippi.
High Island TX to Morgan City LA including Sabine Lake, Calcasieu Lake, and Vermilion Bay…7-11 ft
Port Bolivar TX to High Island TX…4-6 ft
San Luis Pass TX to Port Bolivar TX…2-4 ft
Galveston Bay…2-4 ft
Hurricane Watch is in effect for San Luis Pass Texas to west of Morgan City Louisiana
Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for…
San Luis Pass to Freeport Texas
Morgan City Louisiana to the Mouth of the Mississippi River
A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours.
A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/25/2020 with input from CoH, Harris County, National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, and ReadyHarris.
1092 Days After Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/093605_peak_surge.png?fit=897%2C736&ssl=1736897adminadmin2020-08-25 08:43:282020-08-25 15:01:42Laura Upgraded to Hurricane; Will Intensify Through Landfall; Mandatory Evacuation for Galveston Island
Lake Houston Level Now Being Lowered in Advance of Hurricane Laura
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin announced at 4:31 p.m. Tuesday that Houston Public Works will initiate the temporary lowering of Lake Houston within the hour. The City made this decision after taking into account the fast-changing nature of Hurricane Laura. The Coastal Water Authority will lower Lake Houston to 41.0 ft from 41.59, another six tenths of a foot, which is 18 inches below full pool.
Laura should arrive late tomorrow or early Thursday as a Category 3 storm. Hurricane conditions are expected in Chambers and Liberty County – with 45-60 mph winds east of I-45 throughout the Lake Houston Area.
2 to 4 Inches Expected
The National Hurricane Center predicts that Hurricane Laura will bring 2 – 4 inches of rain to the Lake Houston Area in the next few days. Isolated areas could receive 6 inches. These rainfall amounts exceed the 3 inch trigger to lower Lake Houston, said Martin.
Lake to Be Lowered Another 7.2 inches
As a result of these predicted rainfall amounts in addition to the rainfall that will be accumulated to our east, the Lake will be lowered gradually overnight from the current level, which is 41.6 ft down to an elevation of 41.0 ft. Six tenths of a foot is 7.2 inches.
The Lake will be maintained at a level of approximately 41.0 ft while there is an immediate inclement weather threat. Once that weather has moved out of our area, the Lake will be allowed to naturally refill from the storm’s runoff.
Some fluctuations in Lake level can be attributed to high winds so please keep that in mind when checking Lake levels.
Secure Shoreline Property NOW If You Have Not Already
The lake will be lowered at a cautious rate so as to not impact those living downstream. At the completion of this temporary lowering effort the total reduction in the level of Lake Houston from normal pool of 42.5 ft to 41.0 ft will be 1.5 feet.
For More Information
Residents may monitor the lowering of Lake Houston by visiting the Coastal Water Authority website or visiting Mayor Pro Tem Martin’s Facebook page for updates from the District E office.
No Mention of SJRA
Martin’s press release made no mention of the SJRA or Lake Conroe. Lake Conroe, which is farther west should receive less rain than Lake Houston from Laura.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/25/2020 at 6 pm, based on a press release from Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin.
1092 Days after Hurricane Harvey
Laura Intensifying into Major Hurricane; Prepare for Big Winds, Power Outages
These warnings were just issued by Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist, the National Hurricane Center, and City of Houston:
Hurricane warnings issued from San Luis Pass into Louisiana.
Landfall of a devastating hurricane likely between Galveston Bay and Sabine Pass tomorrow night.
Rush to complete preparations to protect life and property.
Heed all evacuation recommendations.
Discussion
Laura – now a hurricane with sustained winds of 75mph – is continuing to intensify. The hurricane will likely rapidly intensify over the next 24-36 hours, right up to landfall along the upper TX coast. The National Hurricane Center predicts Laura will become a major hurricane with sustained winds over 110 mph by tomorrow night or early Thursday morning when it makes landfall somewhere between Galveston Bay and Sabine Pass.
Track:
Everyone should be planning for the landfall of a very serious hurricane between Galveston Bay and Sabine Pass on the Louisiana border. Additional shifts in the track are possible that could bring the core of Laura into Galveston Bay and Harris/Galveston Counties.
The large wind field will result in strong winds likely 100-150 miles inland across east Texas.
Prepare for power outages extending well inland along with significant wind damage and extended outages.
Intensity:
Prepare for the impact of a major hurricane (cat 3 or higher). Once the inner core of Laura forms, significant intensification is likely, and conditions look very favorable for intensification.
Tropical Storm force winds will begin along the coast at around 8:00 pm Wednesday evening.
Advice from City, Lake Status
“Rainfall amounts in the Lake Houston Watershed over the next six days are expected to be 2 – 4 inches with isolated accumulation of 6 inches possible,” said Dave Martin. “Currently, the Lake Houston Watershed is dry and the projected impact to our area will be to our east with the largest possible impact expected along the East Fork of the San Jacinto River. Lake Houston is already down one foot from normal pool with the possibility of being lowered additionally, if necessary. Please make sure all property along the shoreline is secured in the event additional lowering is ordered.”
“Regardless of where this storm lands,” said Martin, “it is important all residents prepare themselves and have a plan. Hurricane Laura will likely be similar to Ike with severe wind impacts and power outages. The City of Houston has prepared resources to help you get ready for upcoming disasters and make sure you are prepared for this one. Please visit www.readyhoustontx.gov to learn more.
Actions
For hurricane preparation tips from the National Weather Service, click here.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/24/2020 based on input from the National Hurricane Center and Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist.
1091 Days after Hurricane Harvey
Laura Upgraded to Hurricane; Will Intensify Through Landfall; Mandatory Evacuation for Galveston Island
Overnight, Laura turned into a hurricane. At 5:25 this morning, Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist, issued the following:
Hurricane Watches extended west to San Luis Pass…now include Harris and Galveston Counties
Major hurricane forecast in the NW Gulf of Mexico Wednesday
Enact hurricane plans now. Follow all recommendations from local officials.
At 7:00 a.m., he issued another warning saying that:
Laura upgraded to a hurricane…intensification will continue through landfall.
Mandatory evacuation order for Galveston Island effective immediately.
Discussion
Laura is now over the SE Gulf of Mexico and moving toward the WNW after having jogged westward overnight. Deep convection has developed over and near the center this morning. Some light northerly system continues to impact Laura, which continues to track to the south of predictions.
Track:
The steering pattern that will bring Laura to the NW Gulf of Mexico remains somewhat in flux this morning. Laura will turn northwest and then north. But uncertainty remains as to when Laura will make this turn. Overnight model guidance now delays this turn a little longer and brings Laura more toward the upper Texas coast. NHC may have to shift their forecast track a bit more westward later this morning.
Tropical storm force winds will begin to arrive along the coast Wednesday evening and spread inland Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Intensity:
A central core is starting to form with Laura and overall circulation of the system is looking better defined. Conditions in the central Gulf today favor a period of rapid intensification. Laura is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane along the SE TX/SW LA coast late Wednesday.
Laura is a fairly large storm and impacts will be far reaching from the impact point extending both west and east.
Tropical-storm-force winds currently extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km) from the center.
Impacts
Rainfall:
Will rainfall forecast at 2-4 inches east of I-45 and 1-3 inches west of I-45, but this may need to be increased later today. WPC has placed areas east of I-45 in a slight risk for flash flooding.
Storm Surge:
Still looking at 2-4 feet above ground level in Galveston Bay and 4-6 feet on Bolivar with levels of 7-11 feet east of High Island into Louisiana. Should the track shift more west, these values around Galveston Bay would potentially need to be increased significantly.
Wind:
Tropical storm force winds will be moving into the area Wednesday evening. Expect winds of 40-50mph across Harris County northward along I-45 with hurricane conditions becoming increasingly likely over Liberty and Chambers Counties. Any additional shift westward in the track will bring stronger winds across the area.
Be prepared for power outages starting Wednesday evening.
Actions
Enact hurricane plans now.
Follow all recommendation on evacuation from local officials.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT
The National Hurricane Center advises that:
Storm Surge Watch is in effect for San Luis Pass Texas to Ocean Springs Mississippi.
Hurricane Watch is in effect for San Luis Pass Texas to west of Morgan City Louisiana
Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for…
A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours.
A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
For inland watches and warnings, monitor the local National Weather Service forecast office.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/25/2020 with input from CoH, Harris County, National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, and ReadyHarris.
1092 Days After Hurricane Harvey