As a slow-moving low pressure system is pushing from the Rockies in the nation’s midsection, torrential rainfall is causing major flash flooding in parts of southeast Texas. The Houston area is particularly affected, witnessing over 17 inches of rain that fell on Monday alone, as reported by local meteorologists. According to the Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) earlier this morning, additional rounds of rainfall are expected over the next several days for flood-prone parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, including the Houston metro area. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is prone to heavy rains, and has seen a number of flooding events in the last year alone. However, this flood is by far the largest since Tropical Storm Allison (2001), making April 18th the second wettest calendar day on record for official reporting stations in Houston, dating back to 1888.

Since flash floods develop quickly, CRIO encourages all those affected to stay alert and follow all necessary safety tips:

• Monitor your surroundings and NOAA weather alerts;
• Avoid disaster areas and any water covered roads, as vehicles can be swept away by less than 2 feet of water;
• Get out of low areas that may be subject to flooding;
• Watch for washed out roads, earth slides, and downed trees or power lines;
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.

CRIO also warns not to return to flooded areas until authorities indicate it is safe to do so and to use extreme caution when entering buildings that were flooded. Additional tips include:

• Do not enter a building if it is still flooded or surrounded by floodwater;
• Check for structural damage, inspect foundations for cracks or other damage;
• Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims;
• Look for fire hazards, electrical system damage and broken utility lines;
• Report damages to the local authorities and contact your property insurance agent.

CRIO offers real-time e-mail flood warning notifications to its clients as a complimentary service to help risk managers be proactive in their efforts to prevent or mitigate flood damage in advance of a flood. Our flood warning notification system is particularly helpful for companies with properties in locations other than where their headquarters and risk management team are located.
Call us today to find out how CRIO’s flood warning notification system can help you prevent or mitigate flood damage.