ALERT: FLASH FLOOD WATCH

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Harris County and surrounding counties until Monday, May 18 at 4:00pm. This flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Showers and thunderstorms are moving into the City which have a history of dropping significant rainfall when "training" occurs.   "Training" refers to activity when storms roll over the same area over and over again, producing very high rainfall amounts. These showers and thunderstorms can exacerbate localized flooding in areas.

Protective Actions

• Be prepared for flash flooding, and avoid low-lying areas, creeks and bayous. 
• Make plans to spend extra time commuting to and from work, and pay attention to changing conditions.
• Please call 311 (713-837-0311) to report any adverse street conditions, only if it can be done safely.

Staff should monitor weather forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings.  Those library locations in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.  If you cannot safely travel to your work location, contact your supervisor as soon as possible.

Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway – the water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. Vehicles caught in rising water should be abandoned quickly.  If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and seek higher ground immediately.  Rapidly rising water may engulf your vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. 

Turn Around. Don’t Drown.

Presently, the City of Houston has not issued any notices for closures for city facilities. As with any inclement weather conditions, please tune in to local news stations to get weather forecasts and road conditions.  For additional information on conditions or possible HPL closings, please continue to check the emergency hotline (832-393-1550) or your immediate supervisor.  You may also find more information online at houstontx.gov/emergency.

Stay safe out there.