Harris County on alert ahead of potentially severe storms
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Harris County Emergency Management officials activated the emergency operations center ahead of a storm approaching the Houston area.
"We are nervous anytime of the day. But the overnight is a little bit harder because it's dark, and it's harder to respond," said Steve Fitzgerald with the Harris County Flood Control District.
At HFD Station 11 in the Heights, the boats and equipment are ready. The Houston Fire Department has brought an additional rescue team.
Across the city, fire stations have increased staff and added high water vehicles. The fire department is also assigning firefighters to Houston police high water vehicles. Dry suits, life vests and helmets are in place.
Houston-area officials learned a lot last year during the Memorial Day flood.
"There's still a lot of work to be done. Last year, the Braes Bayou, in the middle part, upper part got hit pretty hard," said Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald showed us the problem areas around town that could flood first which include Hall's Bayou on the north side and Mayde Creek on the west side.
Not much can be done ahead of Tuesday night's storm, but Sanchez said now is the time to start preparing for the storm. Residents are being urged to clear their property of any items that can go airborne such as patio furniture, plants and trampolines. Also, residents should removed any curbside debris that can clog up storm drains.
"One of the areas that's very problematic his nighttime rainfall and early-morning rainfall. That's one of the things were going to be encountering. So, really the best thing to do, stay informed in the word and be aware of your surroundings, and give yourself plenty of time to where you're going," said Harris County OEM representative Francisco Sanchez.
EOC officials said steer clear of high water spots around town and think about where you can park your car if your neighborhood streets become flooded.
