HOUSTON – Harris County officials said they are ready for the flooding that is forecast to develop as heavy rains move through the region starting Thursday night.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner urged residents to stay off the roads and away from flooded roads.
"We're almost surely going to see street flooding. Don't drive around barricades. The anxiety in the community, especially after Harvey, is just as real as the rain that will be falling and I recognize that," Hidalgo said.
WATCH: Harris County officials provide updates ahead of storms on May 9, 2019
High-water vehicles
Turner said high-water rescue vehicles, equipment and barricades have been deployed across the city in advance of the deluge.
"This weather event that is moving into our area is a very serious one. We do anticipate that when it starts, it will continue to come down,” Turner said.
Public works is also on standby.
HPD
Houston police Chief Art Acevedo said nine high-water vehicles have been deployed, with more of them on standby.
He said the vehicles will not only help rescue people who may become trapped in flood water, but also help officers respond to emergencies.
HFD
The Houston Fire Department has 43 pieces of apparatus ready to go, including high water vehicles, boats and wave runners.
Eighty HFD personnel specifically trained in high-water rescues are on alert. Additional personnel are being brought in to staff the high-water apparatus.
“So we can have everything staffed and we don't have to jump crews from the engine companies over to the high-water assets. That way we have every piece of apparatus and every asset that we have available in the Houston fire department ready to go,” HFD Chief Sam Pena said.
Turner said that fans who are headed to the Astros game Thursday night should be very aware of the weather, and be prepared for difficult driving conditions when they leave.
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