As of noon today, Harvey has been upgraded to a Category 1 Hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 MPH. As shown on the forecast, Harvey will continue to move in a northwesterly direction making landfall early Saturday morning. Harvey will continue to strengthen and is predicted to hit landfill as a Category 3 Hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 MPH.
The models are continuing to show significant rainfall for the Texas Coast. Harvey could bring widespread rainfall of 10 to 15 inches with isolated peaks of 20 to 30 inches throughout the storms impacted areas. The actual rainfall totals will depend on how fast or slow the storm drifts across the area. As Harvey continues to strengthen, our chances for heavy winds increase. Based on the 1 PM forecast, Fort Bend County could experience wind speeds between 60 and 90 MPH. As you prepare of the storm consider the following:
- Before the storm, please remember to secure any outdoor items that could be impacted by winds. Any items left outside could become projectiles causing damage to homes or even injury to people.
- During the storm, stay indoors and keep away from windows and sky lights. If you must leave your home, watch out for debris, down power lines, and remember to “Turn Around, Don’t’ Drown.”
- After the storm, be very cautious when removing debris and watch out for hidden dangers. Some of these hidden dangers include downed power lines that may still be energized or tree limbs that were damaged and could fall long after the storm passes.
To learn more about Hurricane Preparedness, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
Fort Bend County is currently under a Tropical Storm Warming, but at this time there are no active flood warnings for the Brazos River. District will continue to coordinate with the City of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, and the National Weather Service and provide updates as necessary.