HOUSTON – Potential Tropical Storm 5 is moving toward the upper Texas coast, and Houston-area residents should use tonight to get ready before heavy rain and gusty winds arrive.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for portions of the upper Texas and southwestern Louisiana coasts. The system is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm before moving toward the coast Tuesday.
For the Houston metro, heavy rain and localized flooding are among the biggest concerns. Some areas could see several inches of rain, while stronger wind gusts are also possible, particularly closer to the coast and east of Houston.
Here are five things you should do tonight to get ready:
1. Charge everything
Don’t wait until the power goes out to start charging your devices.
Plug in:
Cell phones
Laptops
Tablets
Portable battery packs
Rechargeable flashlights
Other essential electronics
If you have a portable power station or generator, make sure it is ready to go.
And remember to never operate a generator inside your home, garage or another enclosed space.
2. Bring in anything that could blow away
Take a walk around your property tonight and secure anything loose.
That includes:
Patio furniture
Trash cans
Grills
Potted plants
Outdoor decorations
Children’s toys
Umbrellas
Pool equipment
Strong winds can turn even lightweight objects into dangerous projectiles.
If you have a garage, move vehicles inside if possible.
3. Clear your drains and check for flooding risks
Heavy tropical rain can quickly overwhelm drainage systems. Before the rain arrives, clear leaves and debris from:
Gutters
Storm drains
Yard drains
Areas around your home where water tends to collect
If you’ve had flooding problems before, move important belongings, electronics and other valuables to higher ground tonight.
Also, never drive through flooded roads. Water can be deeper and moving faster than it appears.
4. Get your emergency supplies together
You don’t need to panic-buy everything at the store. Just make sure you have the basics.
Check your home for:
Bottled water
Nonperishable food
Flashlights
Extra batteries
First-aid supplies
Prescription medications
Baby supplies
Pet food
Toiletries
Cash
Important documents
It’s also a good idea to fill your vehicle with gas before conditions deteriorate.
5. Know where you’ll get your weather information
Tonight is the time to make sure you can receive emergency alerts. Turn on weather alerts on your phone and keep up with updates from local officials and trusted weather sources.
Don’t make decisions based solely on a social media post or a single forecast model. Tropical systems can change quickly, and even a small change in the storm’s track can affect where the heaviest rain falls.
KPRC 2’s weather team will continue updating the system as it moves toward the Texas coast.
You don’t have to wait until a tropical storm is at your doorstep to prepare. Charge your devices, secure your property, clear your drains, gather your supplies and make a plan tonight. Even if the storm’s impacts end up being less than expected, you’ll be better prepared if conditions change.
KPRC 2 will continue tracking Potential Tropical Storm 5 and its potential impacts across Houston and Southeast Texas.
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