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Ex-hurricane Harvey: Houston flooded as catastrophe unfolds in Texas – latest updates Ex-hurricane Harvey: Houston flooded as catastrophe unfolds in Texas – latest updates
(about 1 hour later)
10.55am BST
10:55
Flood threat spreads to Louisiana
The threat of floods is spreading east to Louisiana, according to the latest warning form the US National Weather Service. It said up to 25 inches (63.5cm) of rain is expected in southwestern parts of the state.
#Harvey is producing unprecedented rainfall and life-threatening flooding in SE Texas. Key Messages as of 4am CDT: pic.twitter.com/TzYAm6rsSk
10.33am BST
10:33
Record flooding has hit Houston and south-east Texas as Tropical Storm Harvey causes mounting havoc with yet more rain forecast. It has dumped as much as 30 inches (76cm) of rain in some counties in the past 72 hours including record amounts in the last 24 hours.
At least two people have been killed in the floods and tens of thousands have been forced from their homes. The authorities have ordered more than 50,000 people to leave parts of Fort Bend County, about 35 miles (55 km) southwest of Houston as the Brazos River is set to to peak at a record high of 59 feet (18 m) this week, 14 feet above its flood stage.
Thousands of people have fled to their rooftops or higher ground as warnings of flash flooding continue through the night. Rescuers struggled to keep up with calls for help. Houston emergency services have received nearly 6,000 appeals for rescues. The Coast Guard said it had rescued 1,200 people, of which 200 were from the air.
Donald Trump will visit Texas on Tuesday as part of his response to the first natural disaster to test his presidency. He spent Sunday morning tweeting his thoughts from Camp David, from where he took part in a cabinet meeting. “Wow,” he wrote. “Now experts are calling #Harvey a once in 500 year flood! We have an all out effort going, and going well!” He would visit Texas, he added, “as soon as that trip can be made without causing disruption. The focus must be life and safety.”
Federal Emergency Management Agency has predicted that the aftermath of the storm would require the agency’s involvement for years. Director Brock Long said: “This disaster’s going to be a landmark event.”
The US military has released water from two major reservoirs earlier than planned to protect central Houston, a move that could itself flood several thousands homes. Water is being released from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs in western Houston. Residents nearby have been told to monitor water levels and evacuate if they are in danger, but to wait until daylight before they do so.
The cost of the flood damage is drawing comparisons to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused $108bn of losses (including $80bn of insured losses). About 3,000 national and state guard member have been activated in Texas, and disaster relief crews have arrived from as far away as New York and South Colorado. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has deployed more than 1,800 staff.
Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, has defended his decision not to evacuate the flood-prone city, saying he had “no regrets”. No one knew where the hurricane would go, so it was impossible to send people away from danger, Turner said.
A Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund has been set up to take donations from the public. It will be administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Donations can be made via its site.
People have been urged not to return to Aransas County – where Harvey hit – as emergency services continue the search for any missing people. The area has no water, power or communications.
Updated
at 10.45am BST
9.41am BST9.41am BST
09:4109:41
Dogs, horses and even bats are among some of the animals hit by the storm.Dogs, horses and even bats are among some of the animals hit by the storm.
PHOTOS: Austin animal shelters seek foster families after evacuated pets arrive https://t.co/ElsSRJHwbG #atxweather #Harvey pic.twitter.com/P1t9tiaMCgPHOTOS: Austin animal shelters seek foster families after evacuated pets arrive https://t.co/ElsSRJHwbG #atxweather #Harvey pic.twitter.com/P1t9tiaMCg
Horse in college station at university and HWY 6 trapped in flood waters #Harvey pic.twitter.com/53IAx1KqD5Horse in college station at university and HWY 6 trapped in flood waters #Harvey pic.twitter.com/53IAx1KqD5
My main concerns when I ventured out for a short bike ride: bats & Houston theater. @StagesTheatre looks drier than the bats.#houstonflood pic.twitter.com/DL3gLLQkivMy main concerns when I ventured out for a short bike ride: bats & Houston theater. @StagesTheatre looks drier than the bats.#houstonflood pic.twitter.com/DL3gLLQkiv
9.09am BST9.09am BST
09:0909:09
Some areas have been deluged with more than 30 inches (76cm) of rainfall in the last 72 hours, according to the latest figures from the National Weather Service.Some areas have been deluged with more than 30 inches (76cm) of rainfall in the last 72 hours, according to the latest figures from the National Weather Service.
The worst hit area was Berry B Forest Oaks, in Harris County, where 30.56 inches have fallen since Friday.The worst hit area was Berry B Forest Oaks, in Harris County, where 30.56 inches have fallen since Friday.
Preliminary Rainfall Reports in the Past 72 Hours (Highest Three Reports per County)... https://t.co/dTcpmK5p1C #houwx #glswx #bcswxPreliminary Rainfall Reports in the Past 72 Hours (Highest Three Reports per County)... https://t.co/dTcpmK5p1C #houwx #glswx #bcswx
Record levels of rain have fallen in the last 24 hours alone.Record levels of rain have fallen in the last 24 hours alone.
A record daily max rainfall of 16.07" was set at Houston Intercontinental yesterday, breaking the old record of 8.32" set in 1945. #houwxA record daily max rainfall of 16.07" was set at Houston Intercontinental yesterday, breaking the old record of 8.32" set in 1945. #houwx
8.52am BST8.52am BST
08:5208:52
The Guardian’s Rory Carroll is in Conroe, just north of Houston, where he says the road is too dodgy tocontinue any further.The Guardian’s Rory Carroll is in Conroe, just north of Houston, where he says the road is too dodgy tocontinue any further.
The only vehicles travelling towards Houston are towing boats, he says.The only vehicles travelling towards Houston are towing boats, he says.
The area is filled with families who have fled their homes.The area is filled with families who have fled their homes.
Pausing at Houston outskirts after waterlogged drive from Dallas. Highway signs flashing 'turn around, don't drown'.Pausing at Houston outskirts after waterlogged drive from Dallas. Highway signs flashing 'turn around, don't drown'.
8.46am BST8.46am BST
08:4608:46
CNN has aired live footage of a elderly man being rescued from his home in Dickinson, south-east of Houston.CNN has aired live footage of a elderly man being rescued from his home in Dickinson, south-east of Houston.
The broadcast stopped as the man’s wife, who is reportedly suffering with dementia, was also due to be rescued.The broadcast stopped as the man’s wife, who is reportedly suffering with dementia, was also due to be rescued.
A powerful moment on @CNN just now -- a flood rescue with @edlavaCNN https://t.co/4Icgn35WzVA powerful moment on @CNN just now -- a flood rescue with @edlavaCNN https://t.co/4Icgn35WzV
8.29am BST8.29am BST
08:2908:29
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
At least 18 people, including 15 residents, were rescued from a nursing home in Dickinson, after a photograph of the residents sitting in flooded lounge went viral, the Galveston County Daily News, reports.At least 18 people, including 15 residents, were rescued from a nursing home in Dickinson, after a photograph of the residents sitting in flooded lounge went viral, the Galveston County Daily News, reports.
“We were air-lifting grandmothers and grandfathers,” Dickinson emergency management coordinator David Popoff told the paper.“We were air-lifting grandmothers and grandfathers,” Dickinson emergency management coordinator David Popoff told the paper.
La vita Bella nursing home in Dickinson Texas is almost underwater with nursing home patients pic.twitter.com/oCNkrgoRZYLa vita Bella nursing home in Dickinson Texas is almost underwater with nursing home patients pic.twitter.com/oCNkrgoRZY
8.12am BST8.12am BST
08:1208:12
In terms of basic infrastructure, more than 220,000 customers in the Houston area are without power, the city’s George Bush intercontinental airport (one of the nation’s busiest) and William P Hobby airport are closed to all commercial flights and all the schools in the area have been closed for the week.In terms of basic infrastructure, more than 220,000 customers in the Houston area are without power, the city’s George Bush intercontinental airport (one of the nation’s busiest) and William P Hobby airport are closed to all commercial flights and all the schools in the area have been closed for the week.
The Federal Emergency Management Authority has deployed 1,800 staff and 3,000 national and state guard member have been activated in Texas.The Federal Emergency Management Authority has deployed 1,800 staff and 3,000 national and state guard member have been activated in Texas.
8.07am BST8.07am BST
08:0708:07
After checking the rain gauge, a new daily rainfall record was set at the NWS Office of 16.08" beating yesterday's record of 14.40" #houwxAfter checking the rain gauge, a new daily rainfall record was set at the NWS Office of 16.08" beating yesterday's record of 14.40" #houwx
8.01am BST8.01am BST
08:0108:01
More than 50,000 people have been ordered to leave parts of Fort Bend County, about 35 miles (55km) south-west of Houston, as the Brazos River was set to peak at a record high of 59ft (18 metres) this week, or 14ft (4.3 metres) above its flood stage.More than 50,000 people have been ordered to leave parts of Fort Bend County, about 35 miles (55km) south-west of Houston, as the Brazos River was set to peak at a record high of 59ft (18 metres) this week, or 14ft (4.3 metres) above its flood stage.
Brazos County Judge Robert Hebert told reporters the forecast crest represented a high not seen in at least 800 years.Brazos County Judge Robert Hebert told reporters the forecast crest represented a high not seen in at least 800 years.
Steve Bowen, chief meteorologist at reinsurance firm Aon Benfield, said: “What we’re seeing is the most devastating flood event in Houston’s recorded history. We’re seeing levels of rainfall that are unprecedented.”Steve Bowen, chief meteorologist at reinsurance firm Aon Benfield, said: “What we’re seeing is the most devastating flood event in Houston’s recorded history. We’re seeing levels of rainfall that are unprecedented.”
You can see a map of the areas affected by evacuation orders here.You can see a map of the areas affected by evacuation orders here.
7.52am BST7.52am BST
07:5207:52
7.51am BST7.51am BST
07:5107:51
7.50am BST7.50am BST
07:5007:50
7.44am BST7.44am BST
07:4407:44
SummarySummary
Catastrophic flooding is hitting Houston as ex-hurricane Harvey continues to stall onland. It has dumped as much as 26 inches (66cm) of rain in some counties in the past 72 hours and much more is expected through til Friday.Catastrophic flooding is hitting Houston as ex-hurricane Harvey continues to stall onland. It has dumped as much as 26 inches (66cm) of rain in some counties in the past 72 hours and much more is expected through til Friday.
Thousands of people have fled to their rooftops or higher ground as warnings of flash flooding continue through the night. Rescuers struggled to keep up with calls for help. Houston emergency services have received nearly 6,000 appeals for rescues. The Coast Guard said it had rescued 1,200 people, of which 200 were from the air.Thousands of people have fled to their rooftops or higher ground as warnings of flash flooding continue through the night. Rescuers struggled to keep up with calls for help. Houston emergency services have received nearly 6,000 appeals for rescues. The Coast Guard said it had rescued 1,200 people, of which 200 were from the air.
The director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Brock Long, has predicted that the aftermath of the storm would require the agency’s involvement for years. “This disaster’s going to be a landmark event,” Long said.The director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Brock Long, has predicted that the aftermath of the storm would require the agency’s involvement for years. “This disaster’s going to be a landmark event,” Long said.
The US military has released water from two major reservoirs earlier than planned to protect central Houston, a move that could itself flood several thousands homes. Water is being released from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs in western Houston. Residents nearby have been told to monitor water levels and evacuate if they are in danger, but to wait until daylight before they do so.The US military has released water from two major reservoirs earlier than planned to protect central Houston, a move that could itself flood several thousands homes. Water is being released from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs in western Houston. Residents nearby have been told to monitor water levels and evacuate if they are in danger, but to wait until daylight before they do so.
The release is expected push up the Buffalo Bayou – one of Houston’s major waterways – by up to 6 inches (15 cm) an hour. The bayou is already suffering catastrophic flooding in the west of the city, at more than 7ft above flooding point.The release is expected push up the Buffalo Bayou – one of Houston’s major waterways – by up to 6 inches (15 cm) an hour. The bayou is already suffering catastrophic flooding in the west of the city, at more than 7ft above flooding point.
The tropical storm has strengthened slightly and there are fears it could return to the coast, where it would gather more power, before coming back to land.The tropical storm has strengthened slightly and there are fears it could return to the coast, where it would gather more power, before coming back to land.
The damage bill is already drawing comparisons to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused $108bn of losses (including $80bn of insured losses).The damage bill is already drawing comparisons to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused $108bn of losses (including $80bn of insured losses).
About 3,000 national and state guard member have been activated in Texas, and disaster relief crews have arrived from as far away as New York and South Colorado. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has deployed more than 1,800 staff.About 3,000 national and state guard member have been activated in Texas, and disaster relief crews have arrived from as far away as New York and South Colorado. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has deployed more than 1,800 staff.
Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, has defended his decision not to evacuate the flood-prone city, saying he had “no regrets”. No one knew where the hurricane would go, so it was impossible to send people away from danger, Turner said.Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, has defended his decision not to evacuate the flood-prone city, saying he had “no regrets”. No one knew where the hurricane would go, so it was impossible to send people away from danger, Turner said.
As of Sunday night, 54 counties in Texas have been declared state disaster areas by the governor, Greg Abbott.As of Sunday night, 54 counties in Texas have been declared state disaster areas by the governor, Greg Abbott.
A Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund has been set up to take donations from the public. It will be administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Donations can be made via its site.A Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund has been set up to take donations from the public. It will be administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Donations can be made via its site.
People have been urged not to return to Aransas County – where the hurricane hit – as emergency services continue the search for any missing people. The area has no water, power or communications.People have been urged not to return to Aransas County – where the hurricane hit – as emergency services continue the search for any missing people. The area has no water, power or communications.
7.27am BST7.27am BST
07:2707:27
Here is video from earlier of Houston mayor Sylvester Turner defending his decision not to evacuate the city before the floods hit. He says the decision was a smart one and cites the chaos of previous evacuations. He makes the point that the path of Hurricane Harvey was unpredictable. “It’s kind of difficult to send people away from danger when you don’t know where the danger is.”Here is video from earlier of Houston mayor Sylvester Turner defending his decision not to evacuate the city before the floods hit. He says the decision was a smart one and cites the chaos of previous evacuations. He makes the point that the path of Hurricane Harvey was unpredictable. “It’s kind of difficult to send people away from danger when you don’t know where the danger is.”
7.21am BST7.21am BST
07:2107:21
Flash flood warnings (covering a frankly vast area) are in place for the next three hours.Flash flood warnings (covering a frankly vast area) are in place for the next three hours.
Flash Flood Warning including Houston TX, Pasadena TX, The Woodlands TX until 4:15 AM CDT pic.twitter.com/HTL3hcvisdFlash Flood Warning including Houston TX, Pasadena TX, The Woodlands TX until 4:15 AM CDT pic.twitter.com/HTL3hcvisd
7.18am BST7.18am BST
07:1807:18
An update from 30 minutes ago on the opening of those reservoirs. Flood control authorities are urging residents in the west Harris and Fort Bend counties to closely monitor water levels and evacuate if they wish to – but to wait until daylight before they do. It is just after 1am there.An update from 30 minutes ago on the opening of those reservoirs. Flood control authorities are urging residents in the west Harris and Fort Bend counties to closely monitor water levels and evacuate if they wish to – but to wait until daylight before they do. It is just after 1am there.
It expects reservoir levels to continue to rise throughout the week, despite the controlled releases, something that could affect surrounding areas for several weeks to months.It expects reservoir levels to continue to rise throughout the week, despite the controlled releases, something that could affect surrounding areas for several weeks to months.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.19am BSTat 7.19am BST
7.10am BST7.10am BST
07:1007:10
The area affected by the Barker reservoir release is marked in blue on this map, west of central Houston. The other coloured areas show mandatory and voluntary evacuation areas. The interactive map can be accessed here.The area affected by the Barker reservoir release is marked in blue on this map, west of central Houston. The other coloured areas show mandatory and voluntary evacuation areas. The interactive map can be accessed here.