The Harris County Flood Control District is monitoring the potential for widespread rainfall today, with some areas potentially experiencing heavy rain. Rainfall totals for the 72-hour period from Monday, January 22 – Wednesday, January 24 could average 3-5 inches with higher totals possible in isolated instances. 

The Flood Operations Team is monitoring rainfall trends, assessing the Flood Control District’s network of gages that measures rainfall amounts and water levels in bayous and creeks, and coordinating with local, regional, and federal partners on the response and forecast of both heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

Harris County residents are urged to monitor weather conditions as well as creek and bayou levels. The Flood Control District encourages residents to take the following precautions when heavy rainfall and potential flooding is expected: 

*Create an account and sign up for rainfall and water level alerts through the Flood Warning System (FWS) at fwsalerts.org. FWS Alerts allow residents to customize the sensors they receive alerts from, providing more geographically specific information, and choose to receive them via text, email, or both.

*Visit hcfcd.org/stormready for information and resources on storm preparedness.

*Refrain from discarding debris in areas bayous, streams and ditches to help ensure channels can carry stormwater effectively throughout the heavy rain event. Debris should be put in trash bins and then brought inside into garages or backyards, away from drainage ditches and storm sewers. 

*Carry flood insurance. Residents should contact their insurance agent for more information about purchasing flood insurance or visit the National Flood Insurance Program or call 1-888-379-9531. Please keep in mind that new insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect.