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, in the middle Atlantic Ocean has an 80% chance of becoming a tropical depression or storm over the next 5 days. This storm will not threaten the United States coast.
Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30. If they do become tropical storms, they will be named Ana or Bill in the order they form. This is an excellent reminder that it is never too early to prepare for disasters! Remember three simple things:
- Get a Kit: a disaster kit should include enough food, water, medicine, and pet supplies to sustain you and your family for 7 days.
- Make a Plan: Knowing what you and your family will do when disaster strikes is vital! Know if your home is in a hurricane surge zone. Will you need to evacuate or stay and ride out the storm? Make sure all members of your household know what to do. And don’t forget to check on friends and neighbors who may need help putting their plan together.
- Stay Informed: How will you receive important information before, during, and after a disaster? Do you have a battery powered weather radio? How will you keep your phone charged? Signing up for ReadyHarris Alerts is a great first step! Go to http://www.readyharris.orgfor information on becoming a preparedness expert for your family and your neighborhood.
Monitor local media and the National Weather Service frequently for weather updates. The Harris County Flood Control Flood Warning System is a good source for information on rainfall amounts and bayou conditions. Traffic and roadway conditions are available from Houston TranStar.