Frequently asked questions

Stage readings come directly from USGS stream gauges, the same instruments Harris County and the National Weather Service use, so the underlying measurement is very accurate. The 30 to 60 minute warning window is a projection from each gauge’s rate of rise and NWS rainfall forecasts. Treat it as a strong estimate, not a guarantee.

The Houston metro area inside Beltway 8 and along the major bayous: 47 sensors in all, anchored by eight live USGS gauges on Buffalo, White Oak, Brays, Sims and Greens Bayous, with street-level SIM sensors along smaller bayous and drainage corridors. The Coverage page breaks it down by neighborhood.

Yes. BayouWatch is a free, nonprofit student project. There is no fee for text, push or email alerts.

When you sign up, we match your address to the nearest gauges. When one of them reaches action stage or flood stage, BayouWatch texts you, usually within 60 seconds of the reading.

They are used only to match you to nearby sensors and deliver alerts. We never sell or share them. The Privacy page has the details.

Every warning system trades false alarms against missed events. BayouWatch alerts on the official NWS stages and was tuned against the Harvey record, but in a fast storm an occasional false alarm is possible. For a life-safety system we would rather warn early than late.

Alerts, live conditions and the address check are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Arabic, chosen from Census data on languages spoken at home in Houston. Longer reference pages like this one are in English.

Sensors are funded through school research funding and a modeled FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program pathway. Neighborhood associations, schools or companies interested in sponsoring a sensor in an underserved area can reach the team through the About page.