Floods typically result from excessive precipitation and can vary in severity based on factors like topography, weather patterns, soil moisture, and land use. Floods are usually long-term events lasting several days.

Inland flooding, specific to Houston’s inland location, happens when excessive rain causes rivers and streams to overflow. This type of flooding often results from large weather systems with prolonged rainfall or from tropical storms. In Houston, intense, short-duration rainfall from unstable storms frequently causes significant flooding. Floods are a recurring natural event that can occur at any time of the year.

Timely information during emergencies is important. AlertHouston delivers critical information to Houston residents regarding current conditions, expected impacts, and protective actions to keep you and loved ones safe.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A  FLOOD WARNING: 

– Find safe shelter right away.

– Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

– Remember, just six inches of water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

– Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

– Depending on the type of flooding:

– Evacuate if told to do so.

– Move to higher ground or a higher flood.

– Stay where you are.

Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.

Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.