Imelda downgraded to tropical depression
FREEPORT, Texas (FOX 26) - Imelda has now been downgraded to a tropical depression.
NOAA Doppler radar data and surface observations indicate that Imelda made landfall near Freeport at 1 p.m. Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. Winds have since decreased.
The center of Tropical Depression Imelda will continue moving northward, away from Houston on Wednesday, but heavy rain could remain in place.
A flash flood watch is in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday through 1 p.m. Thursday for several Houston-area counties.
Some school districts have canceled classes on Wednesday.
RELATED: List of Houston-area school closures and cancellations
The National Weather Service shared preliminary rainfall totals from 7 a.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday. Totals measured at 7-10" in Galveston, 7-10" in Angleton, 10"+ in Sargent, and 3-4" in Houston.
The Matagorda County Pct. 6 Constable's Office shared photos of flooding in the Sargent area.
Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia declared a local state of disaster for the county on Wednesday.
Freeport Police have high water vehicles on standby, should flooding become an issue.
"We've got some extra staff on hand to help out in case anything else arises, and our emergency management coordinator for the city keeps us up to date hourly to let us know updates of the story," said Detective Clay Hutcherson with the Freeport Police Department.
MORE: Houston-area weather forecast
Governor Greg Abbott says he has placed resources on standby across the state. The State Operations Center has been elevated to level 3 Increased Readiness.
Governor Abbott says the Texas Division of Emergency Management will be rostering four Texas A&M Task Force One Boat Squads in Southeast Coastal areas, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will also be moving boats to support the Beaumont area and adjacent regions.
"As severe weather approaches the Gulf Coast, the state of Texas is taking necessary precautions to ensure local officials have the resources they need to respond this event," said Governor Abbott. "State assets have been positioned for quick deployment in the regions expected to be impacted by these storms and I encourage all Texans in the southeast coastal area to heed all warnings from local officials and pay close attention to weather reports as this system approaches."
MORE: Severe Weather Watches & Warnings
Ready Harris encourages the public to monitor the weather and avoid travel during heavy downpours.
They shared the following reminders about traveling in the rain:
- 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 two feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
With integrated GPS, the FOX 26 Weather App "Follow Me" option will track you anywhere you go, and you can enable weather alerts in your county. Download the app for free.