This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2017/aug/29/tropical-storm-harvey-trump-texas-rain-floods-louisiana-live-coverage

The article has changed 38 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 27 Version 28
Tropical storm Harvey: Houston mayor imposes curfew – live Tropical storm Harvey: Houston mayor imposes curfew – live
(35 minutes later)
4.44am BST
04:44
Megachurch opens its doors to evacuees
Following stinging criticism, a Houston megachurch – with capacity for 16,000 people – has reversed its decision not to house people seeking shelter from Harvey.
Televangelist Joel Osteen opened Lakewood Church on Tuesday, saying:
Houstonians, Texans, are generous people, gracious people. We like to help others in need. That’s what you’re seeing here today people stepping up and you know and helping these people that have been displaced.
It came after days of criticism after the church said it would not serve as a shelter, claiming to be flood-damaged. Some residents shared pictures appearing to show that the church was in fact accessible.
Many other places of worship, including churches and mosques, have opened their doors to people displaced by flooding.
Don Iloff, a church spokesman and Osteen’s brother-in-law, told the Associated Press that floodwaters had left the building mostly inaccessible before receding on Monday afternoon, but denied the church had been closed. Three people spent the night at the church on Sunday before being taken to a city shelter, Iloff said, adding:
You can’t change your life because of Twitter haters. You need to do what you need to do.
4.14am BST4.14am BST
04:1404:14
Earlier fears that two reservoirs could overspill, threatening surrounding communities with more flooding, seem to be receding.Earlier fears that two reservoirs could overspill, threatening surrounding communities with more flooding, seem to be receding.
An update on Tuesday evening from the US Army Corps of Engineers said water levels in the Addicks and Baker reservoirs are now not expected to rise as high as was forecast.An update on Tuesday evening from the US Army Corps of Engineers said water levels in the Addicks and Baker reservoirs are now not expected to rise as high as was forecast.
According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, although levels in the Addicks reservoir rose by six inches (15cm) between noon and 6pm on Tuesday, this was not as much as expected, and engineers now believe its maximum will reach 109.1 feet (33m) – over 12 inches less than predicted.According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, although levels in the Addicks reservoir rose by six inches (15cm) between noon and 6pm on Tuesday, this was not as much as expected, and engineers now believe its maximum will reach 109.1 feet (33m) – over 12 inches less than predicted.
Similarly, the expected maximum level for the Baker reservoir has been revised downwards to 101.7 feet, around three feet lower.Similarly, the expected maximum level for the Baker reservoir has been revised downwards to 101.7 feet, around three feet lower.
Uncontrolled releases of water from Baker have now stopped, and overspill from Addicks is said to be minimal. Engineers are continuing to make controlled releases into the Buffalo bayou.Uncontrolled releases of water from Baker have now stopped, and overspill from Addicks is said to be minimal. Engineers are continuing to make controlled releases into the Buffalo bayou.
4.02am BST4.02am BST
04:0204:02
This animation from the National Weather Service shows the path of Harvey over five days – and the incredible amount of rainfall it unleashed:This animation from the National Weather Service shows the path of Harvey over five days – and the incredible amount of rainfall it unleashed:
Radar animation of #Harvey now extends a little more than 5 days long. Amazing and scary to watch this engine churn out all that rain. pic.twitter.com/h0LyBQzQ1CRadar animation of #Harvey now extends a little more than 5 days long. Amazing and scary to watch this engine churn out all that rain. pic.twitter.com/h0LyBQzQ1C
3.38am BST3.38am BST
03:3803:38
Another person has been confirmed to have died in the flooding.Another person has been confirmed to have died in the flooding.
Beaumont police said a woman spotted floating in the water with her young daughter has died. The girl survived, but has hypothermia and is being treated in hospital.Beaumont police said a woman spotted floating in the water with her young daughter has died. The girl survived, but has hypothermia and is being treated in hospital.
Officers said the pair were swept into a drainage canal while trying to escape from their vehicle, which was trapped in high water, on Tuesday afternoon.Officers said the pair were swept into a drainage canal while trying to escape from their vehicle, which was trapped in high water, on Tuesday afternoon.
Two Beaumont police officers and two fire-rescue divers in a rubber boat later pulled them from the water, but they were unable to revive the woman, who has not been named.Two Beaumont police officers and two fire-rescue divers in a rubber boat later pulled them from the water, but they were unable to revive the woman, who has not been named.
3.31am BST3.31am BST
03:3103:31
With 10,000 evacuees sheltering at the George R Brown convention center – originally set up with a capacity of 5,000 people – new hubs are opening to take in those forced to leave their homes.With 10,000 evacuees sheltering at the George R Brown convention center – originally set up with a capacity of 5,000 people – new hubs are opening to take in those forced to leave their homes.
Residents are still asked to check in at the GRB, but some will now be forwarded to shelter at the Toyota Center, usually home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets.Residents are still asked to check in at the GRB, but some will now be forwarded to shelter at the Toyota Center, usually home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets.
Tom McCasland, Houston’s housing and community development director, told the Associated Press that the Toyota Center would serve only as an overflow shelter for families with children with no immediate medical needs.Tom McCasland, Houston’s housing and community development director, told the Associated Press that the Toyota Center would serve only as an overflow shelter for families with children with no immediate medical needs.
Another large shelter is opening at 10pm local time – around half an hour from now – at the NRG center, which can hold an additional 10,000 evacuees.Another large shelter is opening at 10pm local time – around half an hour from now – at the NRG center, which can hold an additional 10,000 evacuees.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.33am BSTat 3.33am BST
3.14am BST3.14am BST
03:1403:14
Tom DartTom Dart
Although it is one of the world’s widest motorways – eight lanes in each direction in places, with an extra four lanes on each side of a parallel frontage road – the I-10 Katy Freeway resembles a giant parking lot during rush hours.Although it is one of the world’s widest motorways – eight lanes in each direction in places, with an extra four lanes on each side of a parallel frontage road – the I-10 Katy Freeway resembles a giant parking lot during rush hours.
As the sun set on Tuesday, it really was a parking lot: military vehicles, civilian pick-up trucks towing boats and TV news vans stopped near the severely flooded exit for Eldridge Parkway at the heart of the Energy Corridor district, 20 miles west of downtown Houston, where oil majors ConocoPhillips, Shell and BP America have big corporate offices.As the sun set on Tuesday, it really was a parking lot: military vehicles, civilian pick-up trucks towing boats and TV news vans stopped near the severely flooded exit for Eldridge Parkway at the heart of the Energy Corridor district, 20 miles west of downtown Houston, where oil majors ConocoPhillips, Shell and BP America have big corporate offices.
The Corridor’s website touts the location’s proximity to Buffalo Bayou and the Addicks and Barker reservoirs for their recreational potential.The Corridor’s website touts the location’s proximity to Buffalo Bayou and the Addicks and Barker reservoirs for their recreational potential.
That very proximity to large bodies of water is why much of the area is currently submerged, as the US Army Corps of Engineers continues to try to manage the flow out of the reservoirs, making deliberate discharges as well as having to cope with uncontrolled spills.That very proximity to large bodies of water is why much of the area is currently submerged, as the US Army Corps of Engineers continues to try to manage the flow out of the reservoirs, making deliberate discharges as well as having to cope with uncontrolled spills.
While I-10 was useable and drivers endured the familiar experience of backed-up traffic, since police have blocked off most of the lanes, the frontage roads are waterways. Despite an improvement in the weather around here, things appear to be getting worse, not better.While I-10 was useable and drivers endured the familiar experience of backed-up traffic, since police have blocked off most of the lanes, the frontage roads are waterways. Despite an improvement in the weather around here, things appear to be getting worse, not better.
Hershel Coleman and Anton Mackey drove from Austin with their boats to help the rescue mission. Watching the disaster unfold on television, they felt an urge to contribute so travelled 150 miles to save people from flooded properties, with water up to four feet deep.Hershel Coleman and Anton Mackey drove from Austin with their boats to help the rescue mission. Watching the disaster unfold on television, they felt an urge to contribute so travelled 150 miles to save people from flooded properties, with water up to four feet deep.
Reality felt like something you’d see on screen, Coleman said: “It was something out of a horror movie.”Reality felt like something you’d see on screen, Coleman said: “It was something out of a horror movie.”
Not that gratitude was universal. “Lots of people didn’t want to come. They were stubborn,” Coleman said. But one man who had only moved into his home a month ago, initially reluctant to leave because of his child, who has autism, did offer them some bacon by way of thanks.Not that gratitude was universal. “Lots of people didn’t want to come. They were stubborn,” Coleman said. But one man who had only moved into his home a month ago, initially reluctant to leave because of his child, who has autism, did offer them some bacon by way of thanks.
What did they plan to do, now that night was falling? “We’re going to keep helping,” Coleman said.What did they plan to do, now that night was falling? “We’re going to keep helping,” Coleman said.
Hershel and Anton came from Austin to rescue Houstonians by boat pic.twitter.com/sRjKKehIilHershel and Anton came from Austin to rescue Houstonians by boat pic.twitter.com/sRjKKehIil
2.55am BST2.55am BST
02:5502:55
This view over Buffalo bayou from Memorial Heights in Houston – before and after Harvey struck – shows how the flooding has transformed the landscape.This view over Buffalo bayou from Memorial Heights in Houston – before and after Harvey struck – shows how the flooding has transformed the landscape.
See more before and after images here:See more before and after images here:
2.45am BST2.45am BST
02:4502:45
More than 13,000 people have now been rescued by local and federal agencies in the Houston area and across southeastern Texas.More than 13,000 people have now been rescued by local and federal agencies in the Houston area and across southeastern Texas.
Some 4,100 of those were rescued by Houston police, chief Art Acevedo said; and more than 3,000 were picked up by Houston firefighters.Some 4,100 of those were rescued by Houston police, chief Art Acevedo said; and more than 3,000 were picked up by Houston firefighters.
Harris county’s sheriff’s office – which covers Houston – said its agents had also rescued around 3,000 people, and the US coast guard has helped around the same number.Harris county’s sheriff’s office – which covers Houston – said its agents had also rescued around 3,000 people, and the US coast guard has helped around the same number.
2.30am BST2.30am BST
02:3002:30
Trump to revisit Texas on SaturdayTrump to revisit Texas on Saturday
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, speaking to reporters on Air Force One after the president’s visit to Texas, said Donald Trump would be returning to the storm-hit zone at the weekend:White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, speaking to reporters on Air Force One after the president’s visit to Texas, said Donald Trump would be returning to the storm-hit zone at the weekend:
We are definitely going back to Texas on Saturday and possibly Louisiana on Saturday as well, depending on the weather conditions there.We are definitely going back to Texas on Saturday and possibly Louisiana on Saturday as well, depending on the weather conditions there.
We’ll go back into a different part of the state, to have a chance to see some of the areas we were not able to today.We’ll go back into a different part of the state, to have a chance to see some of the areas we were not able to today.
One of the priorities the president had was making sure that his trip didn’t disrupt any of the recovery or search and rescue efforts.One of the priorities the president had was making sure that his trip didn’t disrupt any of the recovery or search and rescue efforts.
Huckabee Sanders said the intention was to visit part of the state that was “hit really hard” and “having the chance to meet with some of the evacuees as well”.Huckabee Sanders said the intention was to visit part of the state that was “hit really hard” and “having the chance to meet with some of the evacuees as well”.
On emergency funding for flood relief, she said:On emergency funding for flood relief, she said:
I think that is something they are still working through, she said, what the best mechanism is possible …I think that is something they are still working through, she said, what the best mechanism is possible …
We are still working through that process, I think the first thing is to determine how much they need, what the need is, and then develop the best process and plan for them.We are still working through that process, I think the first thing is to determine how much they need, what the need is, and then develop the best process and plan for them.
The guiding principle here is taking care of Americans, that’s the very core of who we are.The guiding principle here is taking care of Americans, that’s the very core of who we are.
Addressing Trump’s earlier statement that “probably there has never been anything so expensive in our country’s history”, she said:Addressing Trump’s earlier statement that “probably there has never been anything so expensive in our country’s history”, she said:
I think some of the preliminary reports indicate that it could be … We still don’t know the full extent of the damage, but we certainly note it’s record level of flooding, an epic storm, and there is certainly going to be a lot of rebuilding and recovery.I think some of the preliminary reports indicate that it could be … We still don’t know the full extent of the damage, but we certainly note it’s record level of flooding, an epic storm, and there is certainly going to be a lot of rebuilding and recovery.
It [is] potentially the largest we’ve ever seen.It [is] potentially the largest we’ve ever seen.
After criticism from some – including former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer – that Trump had failed to express empathy for those affected by the storm, Huckabee Sanders said Trump and the first lady had been moved by images from the disaster zone:After criticism from some – including former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer – that Trump had failed to express empathy for those affected by the storm, Huckabee Sanders said Trump and the first lady had been moved by images from the disaster zone:
The number one thing after talking to him just a little bit ago that he wanted to reenforce from today was that this is all about people, making sure that we are taking care of the people of Texas – that is his number one priority.The number one thing after talking to him just a little bit ago that he wanted to reenforce from today was that this is all about people, making sure that we are taking care of the people of Texas – that is his number one priority.
2.11am BST2.11am BST
02:1102:11
The forecast for Wednesday promises some relief for Texas – if not for its neighbours – Associated Press reports:The forecast for Wednesday promises some relief for Texas – if not for its neighbours – Associated Press reports:
Harvey will spend much of Wednesday dropping rain on Louisiana before moving on to Arkansas, Tennessee and parts of Missouri, which could also see flooding.Harvey will spend much of Wednesday dropping rain on Louisiana before moving on to Arkansas, Tennessee and parts of Missouri, which could also see flooding.
When Harvey returns to land on Wednesday, “it’s the end of the beginning,” National Hurricane Center meteorologist Dennis Feltgen said.When Harvey returns to land on Wednesday, “it’s the end of the beginning,” National Hurricane Center meteorologist Dennis Feltgen said.
But Feltgen cautioned: “We’re not done with this. There’s still an awful lot of real estate and a lot of people who are going to feel the impacts of the storm.”But Feltgen cautioned: “We’re not done with this. There’s still an awful lot of real estate and a lot of people who are going to feel the impacts of the storm.”
The National Weather Service predicted less of an inch of rain for Houston on Wednesday and only a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms for Thursday.The National Weather Service predicted less of an inch of rain for Houston on Wednesday and only a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms for Thursday.
Friday’s forecast called for mostly sunny skies.Friday’s forecast called for mostly sunny skies.
1.56am BST1.56am BST
01:5601:56
How to helpHow to help
Joanna WaltersJoanna Walters
A number of Americans both close to Texas and far away from it would like to help those suffering in the wake of catastrophic tropical storm Harvey. The US government has warned people to be careful when choosing recipients for donations and to be cautious of potential charity scams or email hacks and “malicious cyber activity”.A number of Americans both close to Texas and far away from it would like to help those suffering in the wake of catastrophic tropical storm Harvey. The US government has warned people to be careful when choosing recipients for donations and to be cautious of potential charity scams or email hacks and “malicious cyber activity”.
The Federal Trade Commission has issued advice for the public under the topic “wise giving in the wake of Hurricane Harvey”. Their tips include: “Don’t assume that charity messages posted on social media are legitimate.”The Federal Trade Commission has issued advice for the public under the topic “wise giving in the wake of Hurricane Harvey”. Their tips include: “Don’t assume that charity messages posted on social media are legitimate.”
At least one online scam has already been exposed when a false phone number was published purporting to connect people to the National Guard, and was shared widely on social media. The National Guard itself issued a warning on Twitter.At least one online scam has already been exposed when a false phone number was published purporting to connect people to the National Guard, and was shared widely on social media. The National Guard itself issued a warning on Twitter.
Many agencies and charities are involved in relief efforts, and some of the main participants are mentioned in this article:Many agencies and charities are involved in relief efforts, and some of the main participants are mentioned in this article:
1.46am BST1.46am BST
01:4601:46
In a swift tweak, Houston mayor Sylvester Turner now says the curfew will begin at midnight, rather than 10pm, “to allow volunteers and others to do their great work”.In a swift tweak, Houston mayor Sylvester Turner now says the curfew will begin at midnight, rather than 10pm, “to allow volunteers and others to do their great work”.
The curfew will still run until 5am.The curfew will still run until 5am.
1.42am BST1.42am BST
01:4201:42
At least 15 people are confirmed to have died in the storm, including police sergeant Steve Perez; Ruben Jordan, a retired high school coach; and 83-year-old Ola Mae Crooks.At least 15 people are confirmed to have died in the storm, including police sergeant Steve Perez; Ruben Jordan, a retired high school coach; and 83-year-old Ola Mae Crooks.
Harris county has now confirmed that Alexander Kwoksum Sung, who was 64, is among the dead. He drowned at a Houston clock repair business on Sunday, and his body was found on Monday.Harris county has now confirmed that Alexander Kwoksum Sung, who was 64, is among the dead. He drowned at a Houston clock repair business on Sunday, and his body was found on Monday.
1.32am BST1.32am BST
01:3201:32
Here’s more from Houston mayor Sylvester Turner on that city-wide curfew – clarifying that those seeking shelter are exempted from the restrictions:Here’s more from Houston mayor Sylvester Turner on that city-wide curfew – clarifying that those seeking shelter are exempted from the restrictions:
Imposing curfew from 10 pm to 5 am to stop any property crimes against evacuated homes in city limits.Imposing curfew from 10 pm to 5 am to stop any property crimes against evacuated homes in city limits.
Curfew was used after Hurricane Ike. Prevented burglaries, looting.Curfew was used after Hurricane Ike. Prevented burglaries, looting.
Curfew exempts flood relief volunteers, those seeking shelter, first responders, and those going to and from work.Curfew exempts flood relief volunteers, those seeking shelter, first responders, and those going to and from work.
Curfew in force only to prevent potential criminal acts.Curfew in force only to prevent potential criminal acts.
1.19am BST1.19am BST
01:1901:19
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
This is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog as evening falls in Texas.This is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog as evening falls in Texas.
It’s currently 7.15pm local time, and Houston mayor Sylvester Turner has announced a curfew running from 10pm to 5am “to ensure public safety”. Turner said there was no reason for residents to be on the streets between those hours.It’s currently 7.15pm local time, and Houston mayor Sylvester Turner has announced a curfew running from 10pm to 5am “to ensure public safety”. Turner said there was no reason for residents to be on the streets between those hours.
There have been some reports of looting since Harvey hit. Police chief Art Acevedo said anyone outside during curfew hours would be stopped, questioned, searched and arrested.There have been some reports of looting since Harvey hit. Police chief Art Acevedo said anyone outside during curfew hours would be stopped, questioned, searched and arrested.
12.52am BST12.52am BST
00:5200:52
The latestThe latest
Harvey now holds the US record for most total rainfall from a tropical system.Harvey now holds the US record for most total rainfall from a tropical system.
At least 15 people have been confirmed dead, including a police sergeant, a retired high school coach and an 83-year-old woman.At least 15 people have been confirmed dead, including a police sergeant, a retired high school coach and an 83-year-old woman.
Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump flew to Texas on Tuesday where the president said “What a crowd, what a turnout,” at one appearance.Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump flew to Texas on Tuesday where the president said “What a crowd, what a turnout,” at one appearance.
The American Red Cross has reported that 17,000 people affected by the flooding were in emergency shelters in southern Texas by Tuesday afternoon.The American Red Cross has reported that 17,000 people affected by the flooding were in emergency shelters in southern Texas by Tuesday afternoon.
People may have to remain in shelters for months, the Red Cross has warned. Experts say it could take years for Houston to fully recover.People may have to remain in shelters for months, the Red Cross has warned. Experts say it could take years for Houston to fully recover.
Houston police officials said more than 3,400 people have been rescued from floodwaters.Houston police officials said more than 3,400 people have been rescued from floodwaters.
Roughly 20 hospitals and 20 nursing homes have been evacuated in south-east Texas.Roughly 20 hospitals and 20 nursing homes have been evacuated in south-east Texas.
An ExxonMobil storage tank roof has collapsed at the second-largest oil refinery in the country, raising concerns about the release of hazardous pollutants.An ExxonMobil storage tank roof has collapsed at the second-largest oil refinery in the country, raising concerns about the release of hazardous pollutants.
A pair of reservoir dams that protect downtown Houston and a levee in a suburban subdivision began to overflow on Tuesday.A pair of reservoir dams that protect downtown Houston and a levee in a suburban subdivision began to overflow on Tuesday.
Houston’s mayor said the city has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for food, cots and other supplies for an additional 10,000 individuals.Houston’s mayor said the city has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for food, cots and other supplies for an additional 10,000 individuals.
Blue skies appeared late on Tuesday for the first time in days, and the National Weather Service in Houston forecasts less than an inch of rain for the city on Wednesday, a 30% chance of showers and storms on Thursday and a “mostly sunny” day on Friday.Blue skies appeared late on Tuesday for the first time in days, and the National Weather Service in Houston forecasts less than an inch of rain for the city on Wednesday, a 30% chance of showers and storms on Thursday and a “mostly sunny” day on Friday.
12.31am BST12.31am BST
00:3100:31
An 83-year-old woman died after her vehicle was caught in a flood in Walker county, north of Houston, the Associated Press is reporting. State troopers checking on road conditions early Tuesday morning discovered Ola Mae Crooks’ vehicle and located her body. From the AP:An 83-year-old woman died after her vehicle was caught in a flood in Walker county, north of Houston, the Associated Press is reporting. State troopers checking on road conditions early Tuesday morning discovered Ola Mae Crooks’ vehicle and located her body. From the AP:
Sgt Steven McNeil with the Texas Department of Public Safety tells the Huntsville Item newspaper that a preliminary investigation indicates Crooks drowned when her car was swept off a farm-to-market road at the San Jacinto River near her home. McNeil says it appears Crooks was trying to cross the bridge and the swift water carried her vehicle off the road and into the flood waters.Sgt Steven McNeil with the Texas Department of Public Safety tells the Huntsville Item newspaper that a preliminary investigation indicates Crooks drowned when her car was swept off a farm-to-market road at the San Jacinto River near her home. McNeil says it appears Crooks was trying to cross the bridge and the swift water carried her vehicle off the road and into the flood waters.