Officials have announced that all gates at Lake Houston have been opened in order to lower the pooling level before any potential heavy rains come in this weekend. Houston Public Works Director, Carol Haddock, directed the Coastal Water Authority to start lowering the level of Lake Houston in advance of the upcoming predicted storms. Council Member Martin has confirmed that all gates at Lake Houston are open and the level of Lake Houston is anticipated to reach the desired 41 foot mark by Friday evening. It is advised that Lake Houston residents take necessary measures to secure boats and other watercraft during this temporary reduction. Once the lake is lowered to 41 feet it is the City of Houston's plan to adjust the spillway gates to maintain a level of 41 feet temporarily due to the incoming inclement weather. Currently, forecasts predict that local heavy rainfall is possible Sunday, June 17 to Tuesday, June 19. Rainfall amounts are estimated to be between 2 to 5 inches with isolated higher amounts possible over a 2 to 3 day period. Grounds throughout our area are dry and will be able to absorb the first few inches of rainfall without much run-off. Even with dry grounds this is a large amount of rainfall in a short period of time, which is why the temporary reduction of the level of Lake Houston is necessary.This will address the immediate concerns of the Lake Houston Community, including Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita, and Huffman. This lower lake level will continue to be observed while the City works with area partners to address siltation and other coordination efforts with Lake Conroe. The City of Houston has been monitoring the weather, and will continue to monitor and evaluate water demand, weather patterns and other mitigation activities.