Wed, September 18, 2019 0900 Update:
Tropical Storm Imelda has been downgraded to a tropical depression. Widespread rainfall continues today and the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Harris County until 7:00 AM Thursday.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Imelda is expected to continue moving northward across southeast Texas through Thursday.
Original
Tropical Storm Imelda has formed in the Gulf of Mexico directly off the Texas coast. Imelda is the ninth named storm of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
District residents are encouraged to ensure they are prepared for severe weather and heavy rains as Tropical Storm Imelda makes landfall. The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for the Greater Houston area.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning from Sargent, Texas in Matagorda County to Port Bolivar. The storm is expected to make landfall over eastern Brazoria County and western Galveston County by early evening.
Scattered thunderstorms will continue to move through the region through Thursday. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel and ensure that a storm kit is available to them. Roadways and small streams may be flooded as rainfall rates as high as 2-3 inches per hour may occur during the storm. Total rainfall between 6 and 10 inches are expected over the duration of the storm.
People should bring their pets inside and delay travel or outdoor activities during periods of heavy rainfall. If travel is unavoidable, reduce your speed to avoid hydroplaning. If a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area, DO NOT TRAVEL. From the official Harris and Fort Bend County resident awareness systems:
DRIVE SAFELY
- If you must travel, never drive into high water and use extreme caution at underpasses and low-lying areas where water accumulates.
- Always remember to Turn Around, Don’t Drown! DO NOT DRIVE through high water and DO NOT DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES.
- Just two feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
STAY INFORMED
- Monitor local weather.
- Check driving conditions before getting on roadways at Houston TranStar and Drive Texas:
- www.houstontranstar.org
- www.drivetexas.org
- View live rainfall rates on the Harris County Flood Warning System Website: www.harriscountyfws.org
- Get updates from trusted sources such as: National Weather Service Houston-Galveston, Harris County Flood Control District, and ReadyHarris.
Residents can keep an eye on the storm’s progress through the National Weather Service’s website or their local television stations.
For more information regarding storms and storm preparation, click the links below:
Ready.gov
ABC News
School Closures
Harris County Flood Control District
NPR Houston
