A tropical depression has hit Houston hard, grounding flights and shutting down roads.
What We Know:
- Tropical Depression Imelda has pummelled Southeast Texas including Houston and Beaumont, Texas. Some say this is worse than Harvey which caused deadly flooding in 2017. Up to 42 inches of rain have fallen in Beaumont and nearby areas.
- Imelda has slowed to to approximately 15 mph making it no longer classified as a tropical depression but it is still expected to drop 3-5 inches or up to 8 inches in parts of Texas. Isolated tornadoes are also still a possibility
- Flood warnings are currently in effect until 1:30 AM CDT in the following areas:
Galveston County
Southwestern San Jacinto County
Fort Bend County
Southeastern Montgomery County
Brazoria County
Chambers County
Liberty County
Harris County
- Houston has issued a shelter-in-place and the governor of Texas has declared a state of emergency for most of southeastern Texas.
- Here are some recommendations for safety
- Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
- Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots.
- A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. All interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately.
Follow the latest updates from the National Weather Service here
