Houston activates Emergency Operations Center as storms approach

HOUSTON – The City of Houston has activated its Emergency Operations Center as the threat of flooding rain approaches the city from the north.

Houston remains under a Flash Flood Watch until 10 p.m. Thursday, and forecasts indicate significant rainfall can be expected over the next few hours.  This storm has generated wind damage, and high rainfall totals to the north of the City.

The City is asking Houston residents to avoid travel at all costs this evening, as we expect a very significant street flooding situation during this period.

Current forecasts indicate a significant impact to our highway systems is expected, which may result in high water and roadway flooding.

The City has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Houston Emergency Center to Level III (Increased Readiness), which is the third of four readiness levels. The EOC coordinates emergency response citywide and currently has representation from: the Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, Public Works & Engineering, Houston Airport System, and the Mayor's Office of Public Safety & Homeland Security.