City of Houston Flood Update - Barricades, Roadways and Rescues

Style Magazine Newswire | 1/18/2017, 1:07 p.m.
The City of Houston is advising residents to avoid travel if possible today. The City expects significant street flooding to …
Houston Flooding

HOUSTON - The City of Houston is advising residents to avoid travel if possible today. The City expects significant street flooding to persist throughout the day. Area waterways continue to swell and multiple underpasses remain underwater.

The National Weather Service says that another line of thunderstorms will begin approaching Houston this afternoon, resulting in additional rainfall from 1-3" in the afternoon. This will likely cause rises in area bayous, streams and creeks, as well as roadway flooding.

If you must travel, DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH HIGH WATER.

Flood Barricades

The Department of Public Works and Engineering (PWE) has delivered barricades to 40 high water locations. If an intersection is flooded, PWE is setting up the barricade; if the intersection is not flooded, barricades are staged. Residents are strongly urged not to drive around barricades.

Roadway Conditions

Many roadways are closed or are experiencing dangerous flooding. Check the current status of roadways at houstontranstar.org

High Water Rescues

The Houston Fire Department (HFD) reports more than 70 high water rescue calls this morning. These are mostly individuals who were trapped in high water in their vehicles. HFD also performed one swift water rescue on the White Oak Bayou at Houston Avenue. No significant injuries have been reported.

Report Flooding

Residents who have experienced flooding in their homes are urged to call Houston 311. In addition, any places with street flooding or debris in the street should call 311 or 713-837-0311 so the appropriate crews can be dispatched.

Houston Residents can call 311, visit houstontx.gov/emergency, follow @alerthouston on Twitter or visit facebook.com/houstonoem for up-to-date information on this incident.

About: The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is the chief coordinating agency for disaster response in the nation's fourth-largest City.; OEM provides emergency response coordination and communication assistance to City agencies, and serves as liaison to regional, state and federal agencies during times of emergency. In addition, OEM engages with the local community to promote emergency preparedness through a variety of initiatives. More information can be found at houstonoem.org.