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Floods

​​​The Houston metroplex is in a low-lying area and is prone to flooding, especially flash flooding from sustained rainfa​ll.  A flash flood can occur within 6 hours of heavy rainfall. The University of Houston Downtown continually monitors and assesses flood activity in our region. We are directly connected to The National Weather Service’s Update Bulletins, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in addition to several other weather tracking sites.  The UHD community will be notified of critical information via a combination of emails, text messages, and digital displays. Notifications for public viewing will be published to the UHD Home Page, UHD Facebook, UHD Twitter, and UHD Alert​.    ​

Flood Watch vs. Flood Warning ​

  • Flash Flood Warning (Take Action!): A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that generally takes 6 hours or less to develop after a rain event. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. 
  • Flood Warning (Take Action!): A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. 
  • Flood Watch (Be Prepared): A Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible. 
  • Flood Advisory (Be Aware): A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property. ​

What to do on Campus 

  • Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, such as NOAA Weather Radio, and check the Internet and social media for information and updates. 
  • Get to Higher Ground: If you notice water rising, get t​​o higher ground immediately. 
  • Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Practice Electrical Safety: Don't go into any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises--get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity in it! 
  • Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911. Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don't Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc. Just 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches of water can carry away larger vehicles. 

How to prepare  

  • Know your Risk for Floods.  Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to know types of flood risk in your area.  Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS). 
  • Preparing for a Flood. Make a plan for your household, including  your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding.