RICE ALERT - Flash Flood Watch
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Houston (to include Rice University) from late Tuesday until Thursday morning. This means conditions are favorable for flooding to occur.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop tonight as a surge of tropical moisture approaches Southeast Texas. The moisture combined with an upper level trough and favorable jet dynamics will lead to periods of heavy rain late tonight but more likely on Wednesday.
Rainfall rates could reach 2 to 3 inches per hour at times. Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected across Southeast Texas by Wednesday evening with isolated totals exceeding 6 inches. The heaviest rainfall is expected to fall along and east of the I-69 corridor.
Protective Actions
Be Prepared. 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 isissued for your area, DO NOT travel.
Turn Around, Don't Drown®: Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see water covering the road, do not attempt to cross it. Only a few inches of water can float a vehicle . If you find yourself in a dangerous situation where your vehicle is taking on water, get out of the vehicle, get to a higher position, and call 911.
Monitor Official Sources for Current Information: Rice Crisis Management "What to do" emergency.rice.edu/flood.Harris County Flood Warning System (harriscountyfws.org), Houston TranStar (www.houstontranstar.org), and the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston Forecast Office (weather.gov/hgx), .
Monitor Stream, Bayou, and Creek Conditions: Rain may move repeatedly across the same area, causing creeks and bayous to rise and possibly exceed their banks. Stay informed of current conditions and avoid traveling near creeks and bayous.
Avoid Traveling during Periods of Heavy Rain: Rain can reduce visibility and prevent you from seeing the road ahead, which could lead to accidents.