Get ready for dangerous weather with thunderstorms, damaging winds

The National Weather Service is warning residents to prepare later today for an onslaught of bad weather that could extend through Thursday morning — thunderstorms with 1-3 inches of rain and the potential for damaging winds.

Here’s the NWS Galveston/Houston message:

WHAT IS THE DANGER? A line of storms potentially bringing heavy rain and strong winds will move through the area overnight into Thursday morning. Scattered showers and thunderstorms may start as early as this afternoon. Damaging winds of 30 to 50 miles per hours are possible and there is a potential for isolated tornadoes and hail. NWS forecasts rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches. The strongest severe weather will occur after midnight tonight. This will create hazardous driving conditions for Thursday morning commuters. Street flooding and ponding is likely and run-off will cause water levels on bayous and rivers to rise, but they are not expected to exceed their banks.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Prepare for Wind… • Secure any loose items in your yard such as furniture, toys and holiday decorations. • Move vehicles under covered areas, if possible, to prevent damage. • Bring pets indoors overnight. Drive Safely… • If you must travel never drive into high water and use extreme caution at underpasses and low-lying areas where water accumulates. • Always remember to Turn Around, Don’t Drown! ® DO NOT DRIVE through high water and DO NOT DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES! • Just 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away. Stay Informed… • Monitor the weather before heading out on Thursday morning. • Check driving conditions before getting on roadways by visiting Houston TranStar’s website: www.houstontranstar.org. • View live rainfall rates on the Harris County Flood Warning System Website: www.harriscountyfws.org. • Get updates from trusted sources such as: National Weather Service Houston-Galveston (https://www.weather.gov/hgx/), Harris County Flood Control District (https://www.hcfcd.org/), and ReadyHarris (https://www.readyharris.org/).

WHERE YOU CAN LEARN MORE: • Local Forecast: National Weather Service Houston/Galveston (https://www.weather.gov/hgx/) • Traffic Conditions: Houston TranStar (https://traffic.houstontranstar.org/layers/layers_ve.aspx)