Harris County Residents Urged to Prepare as Gulf Disturbance Brings Rain: Expanded Hurricane Season Safety Guide
Hurricane season officially began June 1 and runs through November 1, but for Harris County residents, including those in Nottingham Country, preparedness is more than a seasonal checklist—it’s a year-round priority. The National Weather Service has reported a disturbance moving through the northern Gulf of Mexico expected to bring showers and thunderstorms to Southeast Texas beginning late Thursday night, with the heaviest activity Friday and Saturday, and lingering showers on Sunday.
The National Hurricane Center places only a 10% chance on this system developing into a tropical depression, yet it will still enhance local rainfall. Coastal areas could receive 1–2 inches of rain, with isolated higher totals. A Marginal Risk (level 1 of 4) of Excessive Rainfall has been issued—south of Conroe on Friday and along the coast Saturday—raising the risk of minor flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
This reminder comes on the heels of recent catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country, where sudden, intense rainfall led to significant property damage and heartbreaking loss of life. The event demonstrates how quickly severe weather can escalate and why being prepared—before warnings are issued—is critical for every household.
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Preparedness Saves Lives
Preparedness begins with having an emergency plan and supplies ready before storms arrive:
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Emergency Supplies: Stock non-perishable food, water, flashlights, extra batteries, medications, and first aid kits.
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Power Backup: Consider investing in a portable generator or whole-home generator to maintain essential power during outages.
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Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes, and have a designated meeting point for family members.
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Safe Room or Shelter Space: Identify the safest location in your home for protection from high winds, tornadoes, or high water.
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Weather Alerts: Keep local emergency alerts active on your phone and avoid silencing notifications. These warnings can save lives.
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What to Buy for a Power Outage After Hurricane Beryl, My Neighborhood News published a comprehensive guide that includes a range of expert tips and top-rated products that can make power outages a little more bearable.
When the power goes out, keep moving with these products that aim to keep your family as safe, comfortable and secure as possible.
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Often Overlooked but Critical Steps
Many residents think they’re prepared but forget these life-saving details:
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Protect Critical Documents: Use waterproof/fireproof bags and keep digital backups in secure cloud storage.
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Plan for Pets: Stock food, leashes, carriers, medications, and know which shelters accept pets.
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Vehicle Readiness: Keep gas tanks full and have an emergency car kit with chargers, blankets, and basic tools.
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Stay Connected: Have portable phone power banks and two-way radios in case cell service fails.
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Property Protection: Clear gutters and drains, trim branches, and secure outdoor items like patio furniture.
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Medical Needs: Ensure backup power for medical devices and a week’s supply of prescriptions.
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Cash on Hand: Keep small bills for essentials if ATMs or card systems fail.
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Community Connections: Create a neighbor check-in plan and join local emergency notification systems or apps.
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Comfort & Mental Health: Include games and comfort items for children to ease storm anxiety.
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Flood Insurance Is Critical
Many Nottingham Country homeowners don’t realize that standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. Residents should check that their flood insurance policy is up to date. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers affordable coverage, but it takes 30 days to go into effect, making early planning crucial.
Learn more about flood insurance at floodsmart.gov.
Local Resources in Harris County
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ReadyHarris: ReadyHarris.org offers preparedness guides, evacuation zone maps, and local emergency updates.
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Harris County Flood Control District: Provides real-time flood data and mitigation tips at harriscountyfws.org.
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Houston TranStar: Delivers road condition updates during weather emergencies. View their weather radar/traffic map here.
Harris County leaders urge Nottingham Country residents to take these steps now. Severe weather can strike unexpectedly, and staying prepared—particularly during hurricane season—protects lives and property.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates as conditions develop.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
