When heavy rain hits, every second counts. The Harris County Flood Warning System (FWS) is your real-time tool for staying ahead of rising water levels and flood risks. With data from 188 monitoring stations across the county, the system offers instant updates on rainfall and bayou conditions, delivered straight to your screen in an easy-to-use interactive map.

Being informed can help you make decisions that protect your property, your loved ones, and even your life. This system doesn’t just support emergency responders and the National Weather Service in issuing flood alerts, it empowers you to avoid flooded roads, prepare your home, and stay safe before the situation escalates. Whether you’re checking water levels over breakfast or monitoring a storm as it moves across your commute route, this tool gives you a vital head start when it matters most.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Visit the website
Go to www.HARRISCOUNTYFWS.org

Step 2: Register your location for alerts
Click the Register button at the top right corner. The setup is simple and intuitive. You’ll be asked to provide your address so the system can send you updates relevant to your home, work, or any other location you choose.

Then:

• Select the monitoring gages near your area, or choose all within a 5-mile radius.
• A window will pop up where you can pick which alerts you want to receive, via text message, email, or both.

Step 3: Complete your profile
Head to the Account Management tab to finish setting up your profile. This lets you personalize your alerts and preferences further.

Explore the Map: What You Can See and Do

Once on the site, you can interact directly with the map to get a deeper understanding of your surroundings:

• Watersheds: Click “Watersheds” to see which one you live in and how it may respond to rainfall.
• Inundation Map: View real-time flood impacts on roads, parks, and low-lying areas.
• Channel Status: See current water levels in bayous and streams and check if they’re rising.
• Rainfall Data: Defaults to the last 24 hours, but you can adjust the timeframe to track trends.
• Address Search: Find the gage closest to your home, school, or workplace.
• Site Details: Hover over any gage and click “More Information” to access real-time water level and rainfall data. You can also customize alerts here.

By using the Flood Warning System regularly, you’re not just staying informed, you’re taking an active step in flood preparedness, and it could make all the difference when storms strike.