MONDAY EVENING UPDATE FROM THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
Updated at 8-28-17 @ 6:00 P.M. CST
Weather Update for Washington County: Harvey is still categorized as a tropical storm and is currently moving toward the waters of the gulf near Matagorda Bay. It is anticipated to begin a northeast track on Tuesday and should clear the area by Thursday afternoon. This continues to be a slow moving weather event that will continue to impact Washington County and the surrounding area through Thursday.
Areas in Washington County that are prone to flooding may flood during this event. Use caution when outdoors as saturated grounds increases the likelihood of trees uprooting and falling. Be diligent throughout this weather event and stay tuned to the local media. You can view road closure status updates for Washington County and the City of Brenham at http://harvey.cityofbrenham.org and http://co.washington.tx.us . Area TX DOT is aware of the impact to the Hwy 290 retaining wall at the FM 389 crossing. At this time, one lane of eastbound HWY 290 traffic is blocked.
With the increased amount of rainfall in Washington County and the surrounding area, those near Lake Somerville and the Brazos River may experience some flooding. Stay tuned to local media and the Washington County Office of Emergency Management’s hotline 979-337-7470 ( 979-337-7386 ) for more information. Further details about Lake Somerville and the Brazos River can be found on the websites below:
Rainfall Totals Reported Since the start of the storm:
● Washington County 13 to 22 inches
● City of Brenham 16.09 inches
If road flooding does occur please TURN AROUND AND DON’T DROWN. DO NOT DRIVE INTO WATER. If you see water over a roadway or barricades are blocking a roadway, STOP! Do not move them, relocate them or take them. TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN!
What You Can Do To Prepare: Public Safety Officials ask that you listen to local media outlets. Due to the catastrophic flooding outside of Washington County and the possibility of additional rainfall in our area, please be prepared and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, family, pets and property. If you are in a flood prone area, move livestock to higher ground and ensure pets have access to food and water in a dry and safe location. With the extreme impact to the surrounding area outside of Washington County, plan and prepare for your personal needs over the next 4 days. Have supplies on hand, such as prescriptions and the necessary food items.
Contact Information:
For Life Threatening Emergencies call: 9-1-1
To Report a Power Outage:
City of Brenham Power Outage: 979-337-7400
Bluebonnet Electric Outage Hotline: 800-949-4414 ( View Outage Map )
Entergy Customers Outage line: 800-968-8243 ( View Outage Map )
To Report Debris Blocking Roadway or Creating a Hazardous Situation: City of Brenham: 979-337-7400 Washington County: 979-277-7373
Information Hotline:
979-337-7470 ( 979-337-7386 )
The Washington County Courthouse, the City of Brenham and the City of Burton office will be open for normal business hours beginning Tuesday August 29th. All government agencies ask that you contact your supervisor if employees are not able to make it to work.
School and Public Services closures are for Tuesday, August 29th:
Brenham ISD
Blinn College - all campuses
Burton ISD
Shelter Information:
There is not an official shelter established at this time in Washington County. Washington County continues to be a “pass-through” area due to our proximity to the storm’s path. If this changes, the public will be notified.
Emergency Management Coordinators:
• Washington County – Bryan Ruemke
• City of Brenham – Chief Ricky Boeker