As forecasters predict heavy rainfall for the Houston area tonight, local law enforcement agencies are preparing high-water vehicles and reminding residents to stay inside if possible.
Houston will be under a flash flood watch until noon Thursday with up to three inches of rainfall possible throughout the city.
RELATED: Flooding possible for Houston area with rain in the forecast through Thursday
More rain could fall in low lying areas. With ground already saturated from recent rainfall, residents should be especially mindful of runoff from rivers, creeks and bayous, the weather service said. Another 1.2 inches of rain is expected to fall before midnight.
“In anticipation of additional rain this evening and heavy rain overnight, all HFD High Water Assets are ready for deployment,” the Houston Fire Department said in a tweet.
Their rescue fleet includes nine high-water vehicles, 18 evacuation boats, nine rescue boats and three drones. The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office also said they’re ready with high-water assets if necessary, including rescue boats, five-ton trucks and a Hummer.
“Drive safely and avoid being out tonight if possible,” the office said.
Another half inch of rainfall is expected before noon Thursday. Morning commuters should check the Houston TranStar map to check for high-water locations on highways. Another map from the city’s Office of Emergency Management identifies which roads would be barricaded during a heavy flood.
Click through the gallery above to see some of those barricaded locations.
Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message