WEATHER ALERT: Damage in Pearland; voluntary evacuations on Bolivar Peninsula
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Rain and storms have moved into the Houston area for the beginning of what is expected to be a rough couple of days of weather.
As the weather moved in this morning, it produced a funnel cloud in Pearland that reportedly touched down, causing significant damage to a building near Highway 288 and Beltway 8. At this point, we don't have word of any injuries.
Flooding is a big concern in our area for later today. Hurricane Patricia is sending record levels of moisture across Mexico and into Texas this morning, creating flooding rains along a front in central Texas. Over 13" of rain has fallen in parts of the state overnight. As Patricia's remnants move out of Mexico, a new area of low pressure will develop over south Texas this evening and head up the Texas coast Saturday night. This low won't be given a name, but it will essentially have the impacts of a tropical storm.
VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS FOR BOLIVAR PENINSULA
Galveston County Judge Mark Henry has ordered a voluntary evacuation for Bolivar Peninsula, including the unincorporated areas of Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, High Island and Gilchrist. With between 8-12 inches of rain in the area, along with 4-5 foot tides and high winds, he warns many residents may find themselves isolated as the strongest of the storm comes in.
"The voluntary evacuation order is intended to alert residents of Bolivar Peninsula that emergency responders may be unable to reach them," Judge Henry said. "Elderly residents and people with medical conditions should make plans to leave the area before dark."
