The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) continues to monitor the course of tropical storm Fred. Based on current forecasts from the National Hurricane Center, Fred poses no threat to Texas. Now is a good time to check your emergency kits and review your emergency plans. Stay informed by following HCOHSEM updates online, on social media, and by signing up for Ready Harris Alerts. For more information on how to prepare, review our hurricane preparedness […]
Weather
Agricultural Losses Caused By Winter Storm Surpass $600 Million
Preliminary data shared by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service reveals that winter storm Uri led to agricultural losses worth $600 million. “Many farmers, and others engaging in commercial agriculture in Texas were the most affected by winter storm Uri,” said Jeff Hydes. The AgriLife Extension Bryan-College Station director adds that the freezing temperatures and ice harmed and even killed crops and livestock, resulting in financial difficulties. What’s more, the residual costs and operational setbacks caused by the […]
Tropical Storm Elsa Forms in the Atlantic
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) is monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa, which formed in the Atlantic Ocean today. Forecasts will be uncertain on this storm for the next several days but a Gulf of Mexico landfall is possible. Residents are advised to watch local media for updates. Now is a good time to check your emergency kits and review your emergency plans. Stay informed by following HCOHSEM updates online, on social media, […]
Climate Change 360 – a Virtual Lecture Series
Mondays & Wednesdays, August 16 – 25, 6 p.m. central, online Join a virtual lecture series to learn all about climate change, its causes, direct and indirect effects, policy that can impact its course, and actions we can take as individuals, households, businesses, schools, and faith communities to make a difference. The schedule is: Monday, Aug. 16: Science of Climate Change: Causes & Direct Effects Wednesday, Aug. 18: Climate Change, Changing Disasters Monday, Aug. 23: The Federal Policy […]
Incessant storms keep flood risk high in Texas, Louisiana
AccuWeather’s team of tropical weather experts says these forecasts are beginning to reveal signs of potential tropical development in the western Caribbean and perhaps the Gulf of Mexico during the second week of June. AccuWeather Global Weather Center – June 3, 2021 – A relentless pattern of persistent showers and thunderstorms is not showing signs of easing across parts of waterlogged Texas and Louisiana. And to make matters more concerning, AccuWeather meteorologists say that a storm and tropical moisture […]
Don’t Forget to Prepare for Hurricane Season
It’s here for six months, June 1-November 30 Hurricane season is here! In the event of a powerful rainstorm or hurricane, you could be without basic utilities, such as electricity, water, gas, phone, and Internet for three days or more. Additionally, subsequent flooding can restrict access, to roadways making it difficult to get food or medicine. Preparing in advance now will help you cope with the loss of necessities. Unfortunately, being unprepared is risky. The […]
Texas HHS Urges Long-Term Care Facilities to Update Their Hurricane, Emergency Preparedness Plans
Staff Training, Preparedness and Response Plans Key to Resident Safety, Well-Being Texas Health and Human Services is urging long-term care providers to prepare for natural disasters ahead of an active hurricane season forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Providers across the state should review their emergency preparedness and response plans and update them as needed. “With hurricane season starting June 1, now is the time for long-term care facilities to make sure their hurricane […]
Preparing for Storms: A 2021 Katy News Hurricane Preparedness Guide
By George Slaughter Hurricane season begins Tuesday and runs through November. For Southeast Texans, it’s time to begin preparing for what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts will be an above-average hurricane season. Previewing the Season According to The Weather Channel, 19 named storms are predicted for 2021, with eight of them predicted to be hurricanes and four of those being a Category 3 or higher. A Category 5 storm, considered catastrophic, has […]
Flash Flood Warning for Harris County Until 3:45 PM
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Harris County until 3:45 p.m. today. A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is or will be occurring soon. Areas of the county have received up to 4 inches of rain since this morning. There have been numerous reports of flooded streets and highways. Additional rainfall will likely worsen these conditions through mid-afternoon. Residents are urged to use caution when driving. Never drive into flooded roadways, […]
Tropical Weather Threat in Gulf of Mexico
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management is monitoring two potential tropical weather systems this weekend. The first system, located off the Texas coast, has a 40% chance of becoming a tropical depression or storm prior to landfall tonight. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is predicting a landfall between Corpus Christi and Freeport. Impacts are expected to be mild with 1-3 inches of rainfall through Sunday. No severe weather is forecast. The second system, […]