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Tropical storm Harvey: Houston police confirm death of trapped officer – live Tropical storm Harvey: Houston police confirm death of trapped officer – live
(35 minutes later)
10.31pm BST
22:31
Sam Levin
This is Sam Levin picking up the live blog as the rescues and flash flood warnings continue in Texas. The ongoing storm has caused a storage tank roof to collapse at ExxonMobil’s large oil refining and chemical campus, the Houston Chronicle is reporting.
The damage in Baytown, a city just east of Houston, has affected the second-largest oil refinery in the country. The company acknowledged that the Harvey damage caused the release of hazardous pollutants in new regulatory filings with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, according to the Washington Post:
The company said in the filings that a floating roof covering a tank at ExxonMobil’s Baytown oil refinery sank in heavy rains, dipping below the surface of oil or other material stored there and causing unusually high emissions, especially of volatile organic compounds, a category of regulated chemicals.
Harvey causes roof collapse at Exxon Mobil's Baytown complex. https://t.co/ymL0sSoNc7
Dozens of offshore oil-and-gas platforms and rigs in the Gulf of Mexico have been evacuated, according to the Associated Press. Out of 737 manned platforms in the gulf, 102 have evacuated workers, the US government said in a statement on Tuesday.
9.57pm BST9.57pm BST
21:5721:57
Some FAQs on the link between Harvey and climate change.Some FAQs on the link between Harvey and climate change.
Is there a link between the storm and climate change?Is there a link between the storm and climate change?
Almost certainly, according to a statement issued by the World Meteorological Organization on Tuesday. “Climate change means that when we do have an event like Harvey, the rainfall amounts are likely to be higher than they would have been otherwise,” the UN organisation’s spokeswoman Clare Nullis told a conference.Almost certainly, according to a statement issued by the World Meteorological Organization on Tuesday. “Climate change means that when we do have an event like Harvey, the rainfall amounts are likely to be higher than they would have been otherwise,” the UN organisation’s spokeswoman Clare Nullis told a conference.
How did it make it worse?How did it make it worse?
Warmer seas evaporate more quickly. Warmer air holds more water vapour. So, as temperatures rise around the world, the skies store more moisture and dump it more intensely.Warmer seas evaporate more quickly. Warmer air holds more water vapour. So, as temperatures rise around the world, the skies store more moisture and dump it more intensely.
Is this speculation or science?Is this speculation or science?
There is a proven link – known as the Clausius-Clapeyron equation – that shows that for every half a degree celsius in warming, there is about a 3% increase in atmospheric moisture content.There is a proven link – known as the Clausius-Clapeyron equation – that shows that for every half a degree celsius in warming, there is about a 3% increase in atmospheric moisture content.
The damage has worsened as a result of the duration of the deluge. Harvey appears to have parked above Houston, pumping huge volumes of water from the sea to the sky to the city. Will stationary storms like this become more common in the future?The damage has worsened as a result of the duration of the deluge. Harvey appears to have parked above Houston, pumping huge volumes of water from the sea to the sky to the city. Will stationary storms like this become more common in the future?
This is the single most important question posed by Harvey, according to Tim Palmer, Royal Society Research Professor at the University of Oxford. There is not yet a clear link between this and climate change. But scientists have observed a general slowdown of atmospheric summer circulation in the mid-latitudes as a result of strong warming in the Arctic. “This can make weather systems move less and stay longer in a given location – which can significantly enhance the impacts of rainfall extremes, just like we’re sadly witnessing in Houston,” noted Stefan Rahmstorf, a co-chair at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.This is the single most important question posed by Harvey, according to Tim Palmer, Royal Society Research Professor at the University of Oxford. There is not yet a clear link between this and climate change. But scientists have observed a general slowdown of atmospheric summer circulation in the mid-latitudes as a result of strong warming in the Arctic. “This can make weather systems move less and stay longer in a given location – which can significantly enhance the impacts of rainfall extremes, just like we’re sadly witnessing in Houston,” noted Stefan Rahmstorf, a co-chair at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.
Read more of this Q&A here.Read more of this Q&A here.
9.50pm BST9.50pm BST
21:5021:50
According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s website, Both Houston airports will reopen on Wednesday.According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s website, Both Houston airports will reopen on Wednesday.
George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) Reopens 12:00 PM CDTGeorge Bush Intercontinental (IAH) Reopens 12:00 PM CDT
William P Hobby (HOU) Reopens 8:00 AM CDT.William P Hobby (HOU) Reopens 8:00 AM CDT.
9.23pm BST9.23pm BST
21:2321:23
ICYMI: Houston-area fire ant colonies are assembling ad-hoc flotillas on the bodies of their dead comrades to survive the flooding. Another, almost comically unpleasant obstacle for residents to be mindful of as they trudge through floodwaters to higher ground.ICYMI: Houston-area fire ant colonies are assembling ad-hoc flotillas on the bodies of their dead comrades to survive the flooding. Another, almost comically unpleasant obstacle for residents to be mindful of as they trudge through floodwaters to higher ground.
Pro tip: Don't touch the floating fire ant colonies. They will ruin your day. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/uwJd0rA7qBPro tip: Don't touch the floating fire ant colonies. They will ruin your day. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/uwJd0rA7qB
9.18pm BST9.18pm BST
21:1821:18
Texas Tough: In a press release Tuesday, The Harris County District Attorney has promised harsher penalties for criminals trying to take advantage of the flood.Texas Tough: In a press release Tuesday, The Harris County District Attorney has promised harsher penalties for criminals trying to take advantage of the flood.
“People displaced or harmed in this storm are not going to be easy prey,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said.“People displaced or harmed in this storm are not going to be easy prey,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said.
“Anyone who tries to take advantage of this storm to break into homes or businesses should know that they are going to feel the full weight of the law,” she said. “Offenders will be processed around the clock without delay.”“Anyone who tries to take advantage of this storm to break into homes or businesses should know that they are going to feel the full weight of the law,” she said. “Offenders will be processed around the clock without delay.”
Under Texas law, punishment increases for crimes such as assault, robbery, burglary and theft if they are committed in a county that, like Harris county currently, has been declared a disaster area by the governor.Under Texas law, punishment increases for crimes such as assault, robbery, burglary and theft if they are committed in a county that, like Harris county currently, has been declared a disaster area by the governor.
Burglarizing a home would normally bring a penalty of two to 20 years in prison, but currently brings five years to life.Burglarizing a home would normally bring a penalty of two to 20 years in prison, but currently brings five years to life.
8.38pm BST8.38pm BST
20:3820:38
Houston police chief Art Acevedo confirmed that Houston police Sgt Steve Perez, a 34-year veteran of the department, died in his patrol car Monday night while leaving a shift. Houston police chief Art Acevedo confirmed that Houston police Sgt Steve Perez, a 34-year veteran of the department, died in his patrol car Monday night while trying to make it in to a station.
“Unfortunately in the darkness Sgt Perez drove into … the water and he died in a drowning-type event,” Acevedo said. A police dive team recovered his body this morning.“Unfortunately in the darkness Sgt Perez drove into … the water and he died in a drowning-type event,” Acevedo said. A police dive team recovered his body this morning.
Acevedo became emotional as he recounted the search effort for Perez, and how his own dive team was aided by the civilian “Cajun Navy.”Acevedo became emotional as he recounted the search effort for Perez, and how his own dive team was aided by the civilian “Cajun Navy.”
Acevedo called Perez “a sweet, gentle public servant,” and said that if yesterday had to be his day, “this is the way he would have wanted to go,” in service to the citizens of Houston.Acevedo called Perez “a sweet, gentle public servant,” and said that if yesterday had to be his day, “this is the way he would have wanted to go,” in service to the citizens of Houston.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the tragic in the line of duty death of Sergeant Steve Perez. pic.twitter.com/cHJxjnFgIIIt is with a heavy heart that we announce the tragic in the line of duty death of Sergeant Steve Perez. pic.twitter.com/cHJxjnFgII
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.32pm BST at 10.06pm BST
7.45pm BST7.45pm BST
19:4519:45
A brief moment of levity as CNN anchor mistakes what was likely liquor, for a bottle of drinking water.A brief moment of levity as CNN anchor mistakes what was likely liquor, for a bottle of drinking water.
"I'm not sure that's a water bottle..." pic.twitter.com/KoaYDMVGgz"I'm not sure that's a water bottle..." pic.twitter.com/KoaYDMVGgz
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.46pm BSTat 7.46pm BST
7.17pm BST7.17pm BST
19:1719:17
A report from Trump’s visit in Corpus Christi:A report from Trump’s visit in Corpus Christi:
Impromptu, Trump came out of the Annaville Fire House, where he had been meeting governor Abbott and other Texas officials.Impromptu, Trump came out of the Annaville Fire House, where he had been meeting governor Abbott and other Texas officials.
Emerging between two fire trucks, he got up on a ladder, his head and torso popping above a secret service SUV positioned between him and the sizable crowd about 100 feet away.Emerging between two fire trucks, he got up on a ladder, his head and torso popping above a secret service SUV positioned between him and the sizable crowd about 100 feet away.
Using a mic and amp, his voice just about carried above the wind and cheers.Using a mic and amp, his voice just about carried above the wind and cheers.
“Thank you,” he said to applause. “We love you, you are special, we are here to take care of you,” he said. “It’s going well.”“Thank you,” he said to applause. “We love you, you are special, we are here to take care of you,” he said. “It’s going well.”
“What a crowd, what a turn out,” he said to the throng of hundreds.“What a crowd, what a turn out,” he said to the throng of hundreds.
He thanked Abbott and the two US senators for Texas. “This has been a total cooperative effort.He thanked Abbott and the two US senators for Texas. “This has been a total cooperative effort.
“It’s historic. It’s epic. But I tell you, it happened in Texas and Texas can handle anything.”“It’s historic. It’s epic. But I tell you, it happened in Texas and Texas can handle anything.”
He then held up the Texan flag to loud cheers.He then held up the Texan flag to loud cheers.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.25pm BSTat 7.25pm BST
7.00pm BST7.00pm BST
19:0019:00
Harvey now officially holds the US record for most total rainfall from a tropical system, and it hasn’t left the area yet.Harvey now officially holds the US record for most total rainfall from a tropical system, and it hasn’t left the area yet.
The record for total rainfall from a tropical system has been BROKEN! Mary's Creek at Winding Road recorded 49.20", previous record is 48". pic.twitter.com/yCjuUOR8p3The record for total rainfall from a tropical system has been BROKEN! Mary's Creek at Winding Road recorded 49.20", previous record is 48". pic.twitter.com/yCjuUOR8p3
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.03pm BSTat 7.03pm BST
6.38pm BST6.38pm BST
18:3818:38
The city of Houston reassuring people that they will not be asking for immigration papers at the shelters https://t.co/uhlNgZaCp3The city of Houston reassuring people that they will not be asking for immigration papers at the shelters https://t.co/uhlNgZaCp3
CNN reporters in Houston have spoken with multiple residents in evacuation zones who said they were avoiding shelters for exactly this reason.CNN reporters in Houston have spoken with multiple residents in evacuation zones who said they were avoiding shelters for exactly this reason.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.46pm BSTat 6.46pm BST
6.27pm BST6.27pm BST
18:2718:27
The US National Weather Service tracks the heights of rivers and designates the point at which they are considered to be flooding. Measurements for Texas on Tuesday morning showed levels in some areas around Houston to be 25ft above “flood” level.The US National Weather Service tracks the heights of rivers and designates the point at which they are considered to be flooding. Measurements for Texas on Tuesday morning showed levels in some areas around Houston to be 25ft above “flood” level.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.31pm BSTat 6.31pm BST
6.23pm BST6.23pm BST
18:2318:23
Houston officials say they're aware of a report of a police officer drowning in his patrol car as he was driving to work.Houston officials say they're aware of a report of a police officer drowning in his patrol car as he was driving to work.
6.14pm BST6.14pm BST
18:1418:14
Trump: 'We want to do it better than ever before'Trump: 'We want to do it better than ever before'
Trump keeps it brief and general in first remarks to press and Texas officials in Corpus Christi.Trump keeps it brief and general in first remarks to press and Texas officials in Corpus Christi.
He said: “We want to do it better than ever before. We want to be looked at in five years and in ten years from now as this is the way to do it. This was of epic proportion, no one has ever seen anything like this and I just want to say that working with the governor [Abbott] and his entire team has been an honor for us.”He said: “We want to do it better than ever before. We want to be looked at in five years and in ten years from now as this is the way to do it. This was of epic proportion, no one has ever seen anything like this and I just want to say that working with the governor [Abbott] and his entire team has been an honor for us.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.59pm BSTat 6.59pm BST
5.26pm BST5.26pm BST
17:2617:26
We want him to see and understand the enormous challenges that Texans have faced, and the need for the aid that he is providing. He’s a champion of Texas and champion of helping us rebuild and I think we’ll hear that commitment.”We want him to see and understand the enormous challenges that Texans have faced, and the need for the aid that he is providing. He’s a champion of Texas and champion of helping us rebuild and I think we’ll hear that commitment.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.29pm BSTat 6.29pm BST
5.21pm BST5.21pm BST
17:2117:21
Donald and Melania Trump land in TexasDonald and Melania Trump land in Texas
Donald and Melania Trump just touched down moments ago in Corpus Christi. He’s expected to address the press shortly.Donald and Melania Trump just touched down moments ago in Corpus Christi. He’s expected to address the press shortly.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.42pm BSTat 6.42pm BST
5.14pm BST5.14pm BST
17:1417:14
We expect everyone to be orderly and well behaved. We are not going to tolerate any activity that’s criminal in nature or that is disruptive.We expect everyone to be orderly and well behaved. We are not going to tolerate any activity that’s criminal in nature or that is disruptive.
If there’s anything that makes it even uncomfortable in terms of any sort criminal activity or bad behavior... those people will not be welcome at the shelters.”If there’s anything that makes it even uncomfortable in terms of any sort criminal activity or bad behavior... those people will not be welcome at the shelters.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.21pm BSTat 6.21pm BST