Vol. 2, Issue 32 – 09.13.21
Tropical Storm Nicholas Safety and Preparation Reminders
The City of Houston is continuing to prepare for the overnight arrival of Tropical Storm Nicholas. This is expected to be primarily a rain event, with the potential for severe flooding on our roadways. With the worst of the weather moving in overnight, motorists are asked to be off  the roads by nightfall.

Houston Public Works has already positioned 43 barricades in flood-prone areas, with more staged around the city – ready to be deployed where needed.  You can find a map where the barricades are deployed here: https://houstonemergency.org/steer-clear-of-flood-prone-roadways-during-periods-of-heavy-rainfall/. Additionally, the Houston Police and Fire Departments have strategically placed high water rescue vehicles and boats around the city.

Mayor Turner reminds all motorists to avoid high water – turn around, don’t drown. All intersections and underpasses have the potential to be dangerous during storms. Locations of serious flooding can vary.  Likewise, if you an encounter a barricade, DO NOT attempt to drive around it.  It has been placed there for your safety.

Also, take this opportunity to make sure your medication is properly labeled and included in your emergency kit.  Charge your durable medical equipment and spare batteries and make ensure they are operational.  Finally, for your pets and service animals, prepare at least three days’ worth of food and water and have all appropriate veterinarian information available.
More information can be found at houstonoem.org.

Houston-Area School Districts Closing For Tropical Storm Nicholas

Houston ISD and other districts are closed on Tuesday. Others have yet to make a decision as Tropical Storm Nicholas brings heavy rains to the region.

HISD

All Houston ISD schools will be closed Tuesday for both in-person and virtual instruction, in response to Tropical Storm Nicholas.

All after-school activities and sports were canceled for the rest of the day Monday, and the district advised schools and administrative buildings to close by 5 p.m. on Monday.

All HISD offices are also closed Tuesday, and students do not need to make up the missed day, according to HISD.

Alief

All Alief ISD after-school activities are canceled Monday, and schools will be dismissed early. Classes and after-school activities are canceled Tuesday.

The list of early closings in Alief ISD:

  • High School – 1:30 p.m.
  • ALC – 2:10 p.m.
  • Crossroads – 2:15 p.m.
  • Middle School – 2:40 p.m.
  • Elementary – 3:20 p.m.
  • Intermediate – 3:50 p.m.

More information can be found here.
Solid Waste Will Close on Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Due to the current Flash Flood Emergency in effect for the City of Houston, and to ensure the department’s employee safety, all Solid Waste Management services will be suspended, and all Solid Waste facilities and administration offices will be closed on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.

Please stay tuned to the city’s social media platforms and your local news stations for updates from Mayor Sylvester Turner regarding determination for the SWMD facilities’ and collection schedules. Information on any facility or service schedule changes or delays will also be posted on http://www.houstonsolidwaste.org/ and will be shared via SWMD’s social media platforms.

For more information about SWMD services, visit www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/houstonsolidwaste, follow them on Twitter at @HoustonTrash, or call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline.

Steps to Take Now

Prepare an Emergency Kit: Take this time to finalize preparations and make an emergency supply kit that includes food, batteries, medication and personal items. For help and information on preparing for disasters, visit HoustonOEM.org. To receive emergency alerts by phone or email from the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, register at AlertHouston.org.

Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown®: If you must travel, do not drive through flooded areas. If you see water covering the road, do not attempt to drive through it. Only a few inches of water can cause a vehicle to float.

Avoid Traveling during Periods of Heavy Rain: Rain can reduce visibility and prevent drivers from seeing the road ahead, which could lead to accidents. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation and your vehicle is taking on water, get out of the vehicle, get to a higher position, and call 911.

Monitor Official Sources for Current Information: Harris County Flood Warning System (harriscountyfws.org), Houston TranStar (houstontranstar.org), and the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston Forecast Office (weather.gov/hgx).

Monitor Stream, Bayou, and Creek Conditions: Rain may move repeatedly across the same area, causing creeks and bayous to rise and possibly exceed their banks. Stay informed of current conditions and avoid traveling near creeks and bayous.

Residents can report road debris such and downed trees to 311, which will remain fully function to ensure continuity of service throughout the storm.

Storm Drains + Ditches: Property owners should ensure that street drains and ditches are clear of trash so storm water can flow without obstructions. Blockages of drains, ditches and culverts are the most frequent cause of flooding in neighborhoods. Secure items that might float away in heavy rain and become lodged in drains or culverts.

Houston Public Works (HPW) has temporarily lowered Lake Houston to 41.5 ft. in anticipation of Tropical Storm Nicholas. Lake Houston is lowered when the National Weather Service predicts greater than 3 inches of rain within a 48-hour period.

Passengers who are flying out of Bush Intercontinental Airport and Houston Hobby should check with airlines for delays or cancellations. Fly2Houston.com will also include important information.