Tornado Watch vs. Warning – How to Respond Safely

HCMUD 0712026-08-19T11:17:07-05:00August 19, 2026|

While hurricanes tend to dominate the headlines, tornadoes sometimes pose a serious threat in Southeast Texas, including in the Katy area. As spring and summer bring more frequent storms, alerts and warnings related to tornado activity become more common.

Understanding the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning, and knowing how to respond to each, can help keep your family safe when weather conditions escalate.

In any severe weather situation, it’s critical to have multiple ways to receive alerts. HCMUD 71 encourages residents to:

• Sign up for HCMUD 71 notifications at: https://hcmud71.com/sign-up-for-email-or-text-message-alerts/#alerts;
• Sign up for emergency notifications through ReadyHarris at www.readyharris.org to get real-time updates specific to your location; and
• Monitor Local TV and radio stations, weather radios, and smartphone alert systems.

Tornadoes in the Katy area can form quickly, often with little notice, and may occur as part of a larger weather system or as a spin-off from tropical storms or hurricanes. Tornado activity peaks from April to June, but can occur at any time.

A key to staying safe is knowing how to understand the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning.

A Tornado Watch means that a tornado may form due to weather conditions favorable for tornado development. This is the time to stay weather-aware, check your emergency kit, and ensure you’re ready to take shelter quickly if needed. You do not need to seek immediate shelter during a Tornado Watch, but you should be prepared to act quickly if the alert escalates.

A Tornado Warning, on the other hand, means a tornado has been spotted or detected by radar in your area. When a Tornado Warning is issued, take shelter immediately. Do not wait to see the tornado or confirm the danger yourself.

Seek cover in the lowest, most interior room of your home, preferably away from windows. A hallway, bathroom, or closet on the first floor is often the safest option. If you live in a multi-story home, move to the ground level. Mobile homes and vehicles may be unsafe; if you’re in one, relocate to a sturdy building or designated storm shelter if time allows and it is safe to do so.

HCMUD 71 recommends that residents take time to review and update their family’s emergency plan before the next storm hits. Residents should:

• Know where to shelter;
• Have flashlights and backup batteries available;
• Maintain emergency food, medicine, and water supplies;
• Keep important documents in a safe, accessible place; and
• Secure outdoor items, such as furniture and trash bins.

Tornadoes are unpredictable, but being informed and prepared can make all the difference. HCMUD 71 encourages all residents to stay alert during severe weather events and to act quickly when tornado warnings are issued. As always, in the event of an emergency, call 911.

Sign Up for HCMUD 71 Email and Text Alerts

To Sign Up for Email Alerts:

• Visit https://hcmud71.com/sign-up-for-email-or-text-message-alerts/#alerts
• Scroll to the Email Alerts section.
• Enter your email address and name.
• Select your preference:
  • Emergency Notifications Only
  • Emergency and Non-Emergency Notifications
• Click Subscribe.

To Sign Up for Text Alerts:

• Open a text message on your mobile phone.
• Text MUD71 to (832) 344-3195.
• Follow the instructions in the reply message to complete your sign-up.

Text alerts include emergency notices and important service updates. Standard messaging rates may apply depending on your carrier.

Register with ReadyHarris for Regional Alerts

To Register for ReadyHarris Regional Alerts:

• Go to www.readyharris.org
• Click “Sign Up for Alerts”
• Choose your language preference and fill out the form to create a new account, including providing your name, username and password, location information, and contact preferences.
• Accept the Terms of Use and click Create Account.
• Confirm your profile and location details and add any additional contact information if needed.
• Finish registration.

How Swales Work: Guiding Rainwater Through Neighborhood Landscapes

HCMUD 0712026-08-12T11:34:20-05:00August 12, 2026|

After a heavy rain, water does not simply disappear from streets, yards, and common areas. It must be directed safely through the neighborhood and into the drainage system. One way this happens is through swales, which are shallow, gently sloped drainage features designed to guide rainwater across the landscape.

A swale is not a ditch in the traditional sense. It is usually a wide, shallow depression in the ground that allows stormwater to move slowly and naturally from one area to another. In residential neighborhoods, swales may be located along property lines, behind homes, near common areas, or within landscaped areas where water needs to be directed toward storm drains, detention ponds, or other drainage facilities.

Swales are designed to move water without causing erosion or concentrating flow. Their gentle slope allows runoff to spread out and travel at a controlled pace. Grass or other vegetation within the swale helps slow the water, filter sediment, and reduce soil movement during rainfall. When properly maintained, a swale can help manage stormwater while blending into the surrounding landscape.

In areas with clay soil, such as the Katy area, swales are especially important. Clay soil absorbs water slowly, which means runoff often needs a clear path to move away from low areas. A properly functioning swale helps guide that water without requiring a concrete channel or underground pipe in every location.

You may notice that swales hold water briefly after a rain. This can be normal, especially after heavy storms. However, water should generally continue moving or drain within a reasonable period of time. Standing water that remains for an extended period may indicate compacted soil, sediment buildup, overgrown vegetation, or changes to the original grading.

Homeowners should not fill, block, or alter swales on their property without seeking professional assistance. Adding soil, landscape edging, fences, raised beds, or other obstructions can change how water moves and may cause drainage problems for homeowners and nearby properties. Any grading or landscape changes must be planned carefully to ensure runoff does not pool, shift onto neighboring lots, or interfere with established drainage patterns.

Routine maintenance can help swales continue working properly. Residents with swales on their property should keep grass trimmed, remove leaves and debris, and avoid placing mulch or yard waste in drainage paths in order to keep water moving as intended.

If a swale on HCMUD 71 property is blocked, eroded, or holding water for a prolonged period, please contact the HCMUD 71’s operator, Regional Water Corporation, at (281) 897-9100.

Swales may look like ordinary grassy areas, but they serve an important drainage purpose. By understanding how they work and keeping drainage paths clear, residents can help support proper stormwater flow throughout the neighborhood.