Sept. 22 8:00 am Tropical Storm Beta Update

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) is monitoring a Flash Flood event currently underway in southeast Texas. Tropical Storm Beta made landfall late last evening and heavy rain from the storm is soaking large portions of the region.

Areas of southern and southwest Harris County have seen 6-9 inches of rainfall overnight. Additional heavy rainfall will likely develop today and into tonight. Forecasts are for 5-10 inches of rain on top of what has already fallen. Bayou and creek flooding are likely if this develops.

Numerous roadways, including some freeway lanes, are already impassable due to high water. Partners should anticipate that travel across Southeast Texas will be challenging, likely into Wednesday. Both Houston TranStar and the Texas Department of Transportation provide main land road conditions in real-time.

Response partners in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) are monitoring bayou and road conditions. In addition, we have asked selected relief agencies to staff their EOC desks in the event their assistance is needed. No other partners have been requested. Due to COVID-19 safety protocols we are asking partners agencies to contact HCOHSEM before self-deploying to the EOC.

HCOHSEM remains at Level 3 – Increased Readiness.