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September 20, 2020

Houston Under Tropical Storm Warning, Flash Flood Watch; Prepares to Respond to Tropical Weather Impacts

The City of Houston is working to coordinate its response to Tropical Storm Beta. Mayor Sylvester Turner has ordered all City departments to prepare for a storm to impact our area. This includes working with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to have the information and resources they need to prepare for the storm's arrival.

Houston is under a Tropical Storm Warning, while coastal portions of Houston are also under a Storm Surge Warning. The entire area is also under a Flash Flood Watch through Tuesday.

Steps to Take Now

Mayor Sylvester Turner urges residents to prepare for the impacts of Beta, this includes:

  • Be informed: register for geo-targeted emergency notifications and sign up to receive recovery information when it becomes available via AlertHouston: www.AlertHouston.org.
  • Make sure your disaster kit is fully stocked, with enough supplies for each family member, including pets. Do not forget about special items for babies, elderly and those with access and functional needs. For a full list of what should be in your kit, visit houstonemergency.org
  • Fuel vehicles and generators now. Make sure generators are outdoors and away from any open windows, doors, or vents. 
  • Know where important documents are and take pictures of your property for insurance purposes.

What is the City Doing?

The City is preparing emergency response resources to be able to meet the public safety needs of residents during the storm:  

  • Houston Health Department-affiliated COVID-19 testing sites are closed until further notice due to Tropical Storm Beta. Updates will be provided as new information is available.
  • Houston Public Works (HPW) will temporarily lower Lake Houston to 41.5 feet in anticipation of Tropical Storm Beta. Property owners should secure property along the shoreline. 
  • HPW has also deployed barricades at flood-prone locations. View our map of these locations here.
  • HPW, the Houston Fire Department, and the Houston Police Department are preparing staff, facilities, and equipment for any response needs. HPW staff are also preparing debris removal equipment. 
  • The Fleet Management Division is pre-staging vehicles and equipment to to assist with fueling response vehicles and are preparing facility generators.
  • Houston Airports is currently reviewing its hurricane plans and checklists, which includes coordinating with all stakeholders and airlines at IAH and HOU. Passengers who are flying out in the coming days need to check with their airline for delays or cancellations. Fly2Houston.com will also include important information for passengers.

Houstonians can monitor official city updates, see the latest weather forecasts, and review additional preparedness information at www.houstonemergency.org.