FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 27, 2015

 

Contact: Lauren Laake, Office of Council Member Martin

(832) 393-3008 [email protected]    

 

Contact: Kim Jackson, Harris County Flood Control District

(713) 582-5124 [email protected]

 

 

Council Member Dave Martin and the Harris County Flood District Alert Residents on West Fork of San Jacinto River to Prepare to Take Action

 

Rainfall from early morning storms has dropped 2-4 inches over the already high West Fork of the San Jacinto River, located east of U.S. 59 in the north Humble area. Street flooding could cut off access to neighborhoods next to the river. In 1994 about 30 inches of rain fell over three days in Harris County. During that flood event the West Fork of San Jacinto River Porter gauge, which is currently at 27.72 ft., crested at 41 ft. and the West Fork of San Jacinto River Humble gauge, which is currently at 51.85 ft., crested at 67.3 ft. To continue to get hourly updates regarding river levels visit Council Member Dave Martin's Facebook Page and Twitter Page.

 

Houston City Council Member Dave Martin, a Kingwood resident, is surveying the area by boat and air today to get a better idea of those affected in the community.
 

Residents who live in neighborhoods immediately north and south of this section of the riverbanks - east of U.S. 59 - should be prepared to take action as the water from the river will inundate streets and possibly cut off access to homes in those areas.

 

Subdivisions that will be affected include Forest Cove and Northshore immediately north of the river, and River Crest and Belleau Woods south of the river.  The potential is high for flooded streets as water drains into the West Fork from Cypress Creek and Spring Creek in north/northwest Harris County, and Lake Creek in Montgomery County. With access cut off to and from those neighborhoods, residents who remain could be trapped in their homes until floodwaters subside, which could be well into the coming weekend.

 

 

 

There is not as much concern for house flooding in these neighborhoods as most of the homes are elevated; however, the homes at ground level could also be in danger of flooding.

 

Recent bouts of heavy rainfall have saturated the ground and increased water levels in our bayous, creeks and tributaries. Some parts of Harris County have already received more than 32 inches of rain this year, which is almost half of the county's average annual rainfall.

 

TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN: If heavy rainfall occurs in any area where you are travelling, or near homes and places of work, you are urged to avoid high water and flooded streets throughout the county and to proceed with caution when driving on area roadways.  

 

The Flood Control District's Flood Watch team is coordinating closely with the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, the City of Houston, San Jacinto River Authority and West Gulf River Forecast Center; and will continuously monitor rainfall trends and check the gauges that measure rainfall amounts and water levels in bayous and creeks. The team constantly monitors the data and works during severe weather events to advise the public and local officials of areas that are and could be affected by flooding.

 

With heavy rainfall comes the threat of flooding, so it is important for Harris County residents to be aware of conditions near their workplaces, schools and homes. The Flood Control District urges all residents to monitor rainfall and bayou water levels on its Harris County Regional Flood Warning System website (desktop and mobile versions) at www.harriscountyfws.org.

 

The Flood Control District has a "Storm Center" at www.hcfcd.org/storm-center with helpful, printable resources, including a guide on how to create and implement a FAMILY FLOOD PREPAREDNESS PLAN and a FAMILY EMERGENCY KIT checklist. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has disaster preparedness resources and the latest information about conditions in Harris County at www.readyharris.org. Additional flood preparedness tips:

  • Secure valuables and important documents.
  • Avoid driving, if possible. If you must venture out, avoid driving into water of unknown depth. Moving water can quickly sweep you and your vehicle away.
  • Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
  • Remain in your home during the storm unless instructed to evacuate by local officials.
  • Have a flood insurance policy. For information on flood insurance, visit the National Flood Insurance Program website at www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.
  • Know your home's risk of flooding. You can view a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM or floodplain map) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Map Service Center (www.msc.fema.gov), or refer to the Flood Control District website at www.hcfcd.org.
  • Office of Emergency Management with the City of Houston has severe weather information on the Office of Emergency Management website at http://www.houstonoem.org.
  • City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods and Public Works inspectors are conducting structural inspections of flooded businesses and homes as well as assisting residents. If your home has experienced flooding, please contact the City's help line at 311 to report the damage (713-837-0311).

About the Harris County Flood Control District:

The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure.

 

 

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