The City of Houston continues to coordinate its response to Beta, which has been downgraded to a Tropical Depression. Rain bands from Beta will have the potential to cause flash flooding through Wednesday morning.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Wednesday morning. In the watch area, 5 to 10 inches of rain will be possible, with locally higher amounts possible.
Steps to Take Now
Mayor Sylvester Turner urges residents to:
- Take Action. DO NOT Travel. Wait until the threat of high water has passed.
- Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown®: If you must travel, 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.
- Avoid Traveling during Periods of Heavy Rain: Rain can reduce visibility and prevent you from seeing the road ahead, which could lead to accidents. 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: Harris County Flood Warning System (harriscountyfws.org), Houston TranStar (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.
- Residents can report road debris such as downed trees to 311.
What is the City Doing?
- Due to weather conditions, City of Houston non-essential employees were directed not report to work today. Mayor Sylvester Turner said an announcement will be made early Wednesday morning regarding tomorrow’s work day.
- Police, Fire and Public Works crews have all performed multiple high-water rescues for Houstonians stuck in flood waters. Help provide relief for our first responders: DO NOT DRIVE INTO FLOODED AREAS.
- Most Houston Health Department-affiliated COVID-19 testing sites are closed due to Tropical Storm Beta. The following sites are OPEN Tuesday, September 22:
- Ibn Sina North Shepherd Community Clinic, 5012 N Shepherd Drive: Appointment required by calling 832-426-3760
- Ibn Sina Wilcrest Community Clinic,11226 S Wilcrest Drive: Appointment required by calling 281-495-7462
- Houston Public Works (HPW) has temporarily lowered Lake Houston in anticipation of Tropical Storm Beta.
- HPW deployed barricades at more than 70 flood-prone locations. View our maps of these locations here. DO NOT DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES.
- Passengers who are flying out of IAH and HOU this week need to check with their airline for delays or cancellations. Fly2Houston.com will also include important information for passengers.
- BARC is closed to the public today but has staff on-hand 24/7 to care for the animals in the event of flooding.
- 311 is fully functional with agents working remotely to ensure continuity of service throughout the storm.
Houstonians can monitor official city updates, see the latest weather forecasts, and review additional preparedness information at www.houstonemergency.org.