Parking garages offer refuge to drivers in flooding

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- With Tropical Storm Bill expected to dump several inches of rain, keeping your car away from high water is a priority for many, especially after the flooding during Memorial weekend.

If you live in a neighborhood with street parking, consider moving your car into the driveway or up on higher land before going to sleep. If you can't find a place to park, live in a complex with underground parking, or if you're driving through Houston when flash flooding occurs, here are some locations that will open their garages to the public in an emergency situation and still have space, as of Tuesday.

The parking garage at Walker @ Main in Downtown Houston is open 24/7 and located at 820 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is at a first come, first serve basis and at a fee. The cost is $8 for the first hour, $5 each additional hour, up to a total of $28.

SP+ Parking has several locations around downtown. While many are open during just business hours and as late as midnight, the one location open 24 hours a day at standard rates is 1210 Lamar Street, Houston, TX 77010. SP+ recommends parking on the second floor or higher.

Smith Tower Parking also has plenty of spaces available at the daily rate. They are located at 6449 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030.

If you experience high water on I-10 the Katy Freeway near Town and Country, CITYCENTRE says their parking garage is open to those in an emergency situation. The parking garages there are free, but they ask that those who pull in to their lot avoid the reserved spaces and park on levels two or higher. CITYCENTRE's address is: 800 Town and Country Blvd, Houston, TX 77024.

Also, check with your car dealership to see if they have space in their parking lots or garages.