The City of Kemah Emergency Management continues to monitor the possible weather developments making their way towards our region. As we continue to track these developments, now is a good time to review your significant weather event preparedness plans.
In addition to our Emergency Preparedness document for a quick overview of what you will need to be aware of during events like this, we also highly recommend visiting www.GCOEM.org to download the Galveston County Emergency and Disaster Guide. It is filled with tips and information to help you prepare.
The City of Kemah urges you to please stay abreast of weather developments by following local weather news reports for Galveston County. And observing communications from the US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas for the latest information.
The National Weather Service has produced the following information:
Bottom Line
- Widespread showers and storms today could produce strong to severe storms with the greatest risk closer to the coast. In addition, these storms could also bring heavy rainfall with 1-3" expected and isolated areas of 4+ inches possible.
- The main window for this activity will be from 9am to 6pm.
- The Slight Risk (threat level 3 of 5) has expanded further east and therefore, the threat for wind, hail, and tornadoes has also pushed further east.
Overview
- A developing low pressure system and a cold front are still expected to pass through the area today This will produce widespread rain showers along with embedded thunderstorms.
- On average, expect 1-2" of rainfall with localized 3-4+" possible.
- Isolated strong to severe storms are possible with damaging winds and hail the primary threats. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out closer to the coast.
- Strong to severe storms are possible this morning ahead of the cold front. Around lunchtime, a strong front will be approaching the Brazos Valley and quickly push southeast and towards the coast. Strong to severe storms are also possible ahead and along this front. Throughout the day today, especially between 9am and 6pm, all severe hazard types are possible (damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes).
- A Wind Advisory is in effect today starting at 8am and lasting through at least 6pm this evening as winds are expected to increase to sustained winds of 20-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
Urban Flash Flood Messaging
Heavy rainfall is forecast for portions of Southeast Texas, including highly urbanized areas like the Houston metropolitan area. Based on forecast conditions, NWS Houston will be utilizing the following urban flash flood messaging for this event:
Street Flooding
- Drive with caution. Cars may flood in low-lying areas. Ponding on roadways may increase risk of hydroplaning.
- Pay attention to the weather. Monitor the NWS, your local media, HCFCD and other official weather information sources.
- Rain may move repeatedly across the same area, causing a rapid rise on creeks and bayous. However, creeks and bayous are not likely to exceed their banks.
Marine Hazards Messaging
Gale Warning for bays and coastal waters
- S/SE winds 30-35 knots with gusts up to 50 knots
- Seas 9 to 14 feet
- Very rough bay waters
- Tides 1.5-2.5 ft above normal.
- High risk of rip currents.
- Showers/storms. Isolated waterspouts.
- Frontal passage in the early evening. WNW-NW winds 20-30 kt.
Resources
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact the National Weather Service office at the phone numbers listed in the Resources section above.