Harris County Homeland Security & Emergency Management director Harris County Judge Ed Emmett issued these statements at a press conference from Houston just a few minutes ago:
“I have to urge everyone do not go out sightseeing. We have flooding of bayous. Memorial is impassable. Areas of I-10, impassible. With Buffalo Bayou in the condition it’s in, it is very important for people to stay home. We’ve got more rain bands coming in. Channels may begin to subside once the rain passes, but for now, stay home.
There are tree limbs down powerlines down. Please, I can’t urge you strongly enough to not take a risk.”
The power is out for much of the area, there is a water boiling order in Houston, and we are awaiting statements from both FEMA and preparing to attend a 2pm news conference held by Austin OEM. We’ll keep you updated as we can.
Until then, please, just stay put!
This article appears in September 12 • 2008.