HOUSTON – Mayor John Whitmire and OEM Director Brian Mason joined other city leaders for a briefing on the city’s weather preparedness and response ahead of Wednesday, with the threat of more flooding and a possible tropical storm.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Thursday morning for much of Southeast Texas, warning that excessive rainfall could lead to flash flooding, flooded roads, and rising water levels in creeks, bayous, rivers, and other low-lying areas.
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Whitmire said the city planned well and was ready, but he’s also hoping the worst of the weather stays south of Houston.
Mason said the city went into preparation mode Sunday, lowering Lake Houston by a foot.
“We deployed barricades around the city,” Mason said. “Out of an abundance of caution with the forecast, we went ahead and converted some dump trucks and some high-water rescue vehicles. And we worked with fire and police to stage boats and high-water rescue vehicles around the city.”
Mason says the city of Houston is expected to be on the “clean side” of the storm. He also noted that Fan Fest for FIFA World Cup will be open for Tuesday night’s game.
“FIFA is really, really in charge of their events,” Whitmire said. “And certainly we’re in constant touch with our first responders in terms of safety and all.”
Whitmire said it’s not unusual for Houston to experience flooding and cautioned residents not to drive through high water or stand in flooded areas.