The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is monitoring the potential for severe weather this weekend.
The National Weather Service says heavy rain and strong thunderstorms are expected to move into our area beginning Friday afternoon and last through the weekend. Rainfall totals could range from 2-4 inches across the entire region, with some isolated amounts of 8-10 inches.
This could mean street flooding, as well as life-threatening flash flooding if storms line up and pour heavy rain in concentrated areas. Additionally, the possibility of strong winds and tornadoes means that conditions will not be favorable for outdoor activities and may pose a threat to safety if they deteriorate.
Safety Tips
Houston residents are being asked to stay informed of changing conditions by monitoring local media weather broadcasts, NOAA Weather Alert Radio, and by signing up for AlertHouston, the City’s emergency notification system at houstontx.gov/emergency.
Additionally, the City encourages residents to sign up for CenterPoint Energy’s Power Alert Service, which can keep them informed in the event power outages affect their area. Registration is available for free at CenterPointEnergy.com/PowerAlertService.
Residents should be prepared to seek shelter in the event a Tornado WARNING is issued for their area. The safest place during a tornado is in an interior room on the lowest floor possible, avoiding doors and windows. If you are driving, pull over and seek shelter in a substantial structure. Remember, in an Tornado Warning, you should: Get In. Get Low, and Hold On.
In the event a Flash Flood Warning is issued for their area, Houston residents should seek higher ground, and avoid low-lying areas, such as bayous, creeks and streams, as well as freeway underpasses and low-lying streets. If you cannot see the street, the water is too high for you to drive through. Turn Around, Don’t Drown®.
Impacts and Cancellations
The Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOSE) says that due to inclement weather, the Moody Park Touchdown Tour set for Saturday, December 3 will be rescheduled for Saturday, December 17. Additionally, the Cigna Sunday Streets events, which was set for Sunday, December 4, is cancelled. The Garden Oaks/Oaks Forest Cigna Sunday Streets will occur in the Spring of 2017.
For more information on these events, follow MOSE on Facebook.
The Houston Airport System (HAS) reminds residents that severe weather may cause flight delays or cancellations, and to contact their air carrier prior to going to the airport to check on status. Flight status information as well as airport impacts will be made available at fly2houston.com.