Dear Red Cross Partners & Friends!

As you likely know we are experiencing an historic flooding event in southeast Texas, especially the Greater Houston area. The northwest Houston suburbs in which I personally live have already received 20 inches of rain overnight. Some areas have received as much as 4 inches of rain per hour. Houston area bayous are nearing and over their banks. Many roads are flooded. There have been 115 road rescues since midnight in Houston alone. The storm system is moving very slowly so additional flooding is expected. Severe storms and flooding are forecast to continue until Wednesday throughout much of Texas, including a 30% chance of tornadoes in areas such as north, central and south Texas including Dallas-Fort Worth, Waco, and Austin through Monday.

The American Red Cross is responding to this potentially 500-year flood event. Shelters are being opened in Waller and Harris counties in southeast Texas and other parts of the state. As it stands right now, here’s a list of all open shelters in the state of Texas. It is very likely more shelters will be opening throughout the day. If you do not need to travel please stay off the roads. Attached is the flood safety checklist for your use. Please forward to others.

Because this is a prolonged flooding event that could last for a long time it will be a very costly event for the Red Cross. We desperately need your financial support! Please contact me with any questions and offers for support.

Many thanks,
Mark Baker | Major Gifts Officer