Weather Update-Aug 24 6 p.m.

Tropical Storm Watch for Friendswood

The City of Friendswood Office of Emergency Management is receiving detailed briefings from the National Weather Service regarding Tropical Storm Laura. Friendswood is under a Tropical Storm Watch, meaning that 58 to 73 mph winds are possible within the next 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Laura is near Cuba and is forecast to become a hurricane upon entering the Gulf of Mexico, making landfall on the Louisiana coast or upper Texas coast as a category 2 hurricane.

Galveston and some communities have issued voluntary evacuation orders. Others may be added Monday evening or Tuesday, causing increased traffic on major roadways. Please avoid unnecessary travel. Also, avoid traveling east, where the most severe storm impacts will be seen.

When watching forecasts, remember that wind effects can be seen well outside of the forecast cone and point of landfall. If the current tract shifts to the West our area would see higher impacts. Current guidance from the National Hurricane Center indicates that the Friendswood area could see the arrival of winds at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Local Weather Service information

CLICK HERE FOR THE HOUSTON/GALVESTON WEATHER SERVICE WEBPAGE

Residents should...

--closely watch weather forecasts and should take preparedness actions for a tropical storm impact,
-fill your gas tank,

-ensure your emergency preparedness kit is fully stocked and replace items as necessary, HERE'S A HELPFUL LINK FOR PREPARING A KIT
-review your family’s emergency plan and make updates as necessary,
-move backyard items, such as patio furniture, into your home or garage so that they do not become wind driven projectiles,
-connect with City Official Communication methods, listed at https://www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/317/Communication-to-Residents

Court canceled

Friendswood Municipal Court will be closed on Wednesday (August 26). Call 281-996-3252 for more information. Additional closings of City facilities and programs will be announced as decisions are made.

Marco

Tropical Storm Marco made landfall on the Louisiana coast today and is not expected to threaten our area.

Declaration of Local Disaster

Mayor Mike Foreman has proclaimed a Declaration of Local Disaster. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROCLAMATION

More information

For Friendswood-specific questions, contact the City of Friendswood Office of Emergency Management at 281-996-3335 or eoc@friendswood.com