Houston, TX – Attention, Houston residents: a major storm system is moving in, and with it comes a serious flash flood risk. Forecasters are predicting up to 3.5 inches of rain by Friday night, which could lead to dangerous flooding in parts of the city. The rain will likely fall in heavy bursts, and with the ground already soaked from earlier storms, it’s a perfect setup for floods to form quickly. Whether you’re planning your commute, heading out for errands, or just relaxing at home, it’s important to be aware and ready for the rain ahead.
What’s Going On?
The storm that’s heading to Houston is slow-moving, meaning it’s going to hang around for a while. This could result in constant rain, but some areas might get the worst of it with heavy downpours at times. The issue with a slow-moving system is that, even though we might not see the rain all at once, when it does come, it will bring a lot of water in a short period of time. This is why we’re concerned about flash floods: the rain falls so fast that it overwhelms our drainage systems, leading to sudden floods in streets, highways, and low-lying areas.
What You Can Expect
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3.5 Inches of Rain: That’s a lot of water falling across the city, and it could make a huge difference when it comes to flooding. Areas that usually flood during heavy rain are likely to see more of the same. Expect roads to get slick and dangerous quickly.
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Flash Flooding: Flash floods can happen so fast that there’s barely any time to react. With up to 3.5 inches of rain, areas near creeks, rivers, and low-lying spots could experience rapid flooding. Low-lying streets, highway underpasses, and neighborhoods in flood-prone areas are most at risk. If you’re on the road when the rain hits, it could make getting around a nightmare.
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Street and Urban Flooding: Houston’s drainage system usually does a good job, but with this much rain falling in a short period of time, it’s going to be tough for the system to keep up. You may see standing water in some neighborhoods, especially where drainage is poor. And, let’s be honest, some streets are already prone to flooding even with normal rain. So, if the rain is coming down hard, flooding can be expected.
How to Stay Safe
For Residents:
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Avoid Driving if You Can: If you can, it’s best to stay home. Flash floods can catch you off guard, especially when you’re driving. It’s important to know that even just a few inches of water can make the road extremely dangerous. If you see flooded streets, don’t risk driving through them. The old saying holds true: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
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Prepare Your Home: If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, now’s the time to take action. Grab your emergency kit, make sure it includes water, flashlights, batteries, and any medications you may need. If you live in a basement or low-lying area, move anything valuable to higher ground. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute when the rain starts coming down harder.
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Stay Informed: Watch local news or sign up for weather alerts on your phone to get up-to-the-minute updates. Flash flood warnings can come through at any time, and you’ll need to know what’s going on in your area. The more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be.
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Clear Storm Drains: If it’s safe to do so, check and clear any storm drains near your home. A lot of debris can build up in these drains, causing water to back up and flood areas that normally wouldn’t flood. It’s a small task that could make a big difference.
For Drivers and Travelers:
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Check Traffic Conditions: If you absolutely must head out, be sure to check traffic reports. Flash flooding can quickly close roads, and you’ll want to avoid any areas that might be flooded. Take alternate routes if needed.
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Expect Delays: Whether you’re headed to work or just running errands, expect delays. Traffic can get pretty backed up during storms, and flooded streets may slow things down even more. If you’re stuck in traffic, keep your patience, and stay aware of your surroundings.
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Emergency Kit in the Car: It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car, especially when the weather’s like this. Make sure it includes water, a phone charger, snacks, and a flashlight. Being prepared could save you from an uncomfortable situation if you get stuck in heavy rain.
When Will It End?
The good news is that the rain should begin to taper off by Friday night, but don’t think the danger’s over as soon as it stops. Water levels may continue to rise even after the rain stops, so flooding can continue through the night and even into the weekend. It’s important to keep an eye on updates and remain cautious.
With 3.5 inches of rain coming to Houston, it’s crucial to take this storm seriously. Flooding can happen quickly, especially in places that are already saturated from previous storms. Stay informed, take action to protect your home, and avoid unnecessary travel if you can. Flash floods are dangerous, and they can develop in just minutes, so being prepared is key to staying safe.
