It is neither hyperbole nor simple exaggeration to state that at this point, in the wake of Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Harvey’s arrival over Texas, the Houston metro area is in the grip of some of the most significant flooding ever recorded in the United States of America. Specifically, the country’s fourth largest city is experiencing historic rainfall amounts, which could exceed 45 inches over coming days, reaching 50 or more inches in certain locations. That would be the most rainfall ever recorded in Texas, according to the National Weather Service.
As of 3:30 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on August 27th, two people had been killed as a result of the storm, and over 1,500 rescued from flooded homes, buildings, and roads. Additionally, the George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport were both closed according to ABC 13 News in Houston.
One of the area’s major public hospitals — Ben Taub Hospital, an acute care facility and Level I trauma center — was also being evacuated, according to KPRC 2 News in Houston, because of flooding that has disrupted the power to the building. Additionally, Interstate 45 was closed in parts of the city because of the flood waters.
The Houston area experienced similar rainfall amounts back in 1979, as Tropical Storm Claudette stalled over the southern part of Texas in a manner similar to Harvey now. During that storm, in the town of Alvin, Texas, “an observer measured a record 43 inches of rainfall in just 24 hours, which stands as the greatest 24-hour rainfall total in United States history,” according to weather.com.
As of 3:30 PM EST on Sunday, parts of the Houston area had already received close to 30 inches of rainfall since Friday morning, according to the Harris County Flood Warning System, with more forecast to come through the week.
More video out of Houston. Only boats can move up and down city streets. #HoustonFloods #harvey #khou #kens5eyewintess pic.twitter.com/5zNeAmHtFs
— Jared Silverman (@JaredKENS5) August 27, 2017
According to the Associated Press, helicopters, boats, and “high water vehicles” were being used to rescue civilians throughout the Houston area, and live footage on CNN showed what looked to be numerous ordinary citizens out with their own personal water craft and flotation helping their neighbors. The Coast Guard and Texas National Guard were also responding, virtually all of Texas’ available first responder units that could make it, as well as assets from neighboring states and states as far away as Ohio and New York.
Everyone do your best to stay safe out there in the coming days.
(Featured image courtesy of NBC5 via Twitter).
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Along with the awful videos of looters already rampaging through businesses, there are the huge majority of wonderful Texans, generous, faith-filled and compassionate - like you! Oh I hope I see the video on the news of the woman who broke out in gospel song, that sounds so inspiring! I am not at all surprised about the long line of volunteers, so many Americans want to help in any way possible. Thanks Joni, and I hope everyone you know and love stays safe.
Thank you, Pat. It's really disheartening to see thugs take advantage of people in their most desperate hour. I know law enforcement is doing all they can to control this type of thing. I know some home owners that are as well. It is sad to hear of those things when you then also hear of the enormous generosity of the Texas public. I saw a photo of along line of people not waiting for food, or water or housing, but to VOLUNTEER!! I don't know if the photo was real or not, but I would believe it. Isn't that awesome. Or the lady who broke out in a gospel song at one of the shelters and all these people joined in with her. I think they are playing that one on the news. She has a beautiful voice. Businesses all over town are taking donations. Our local Fire Department is sending people but we are trying to supply them with all they need to care for themselves so not to be a burden on the resources needed for evacuees so the city is taking donations. I bought several bags of hand sanitizer, wet wipes, facial wipes, small kleenex packets, and variety of granola bars for energy and quick food.
You put that perfectly, Joni, yes the devil doesn't sleep, and certainly not when he can add to the misery of a huge natural disaster. The people of Texas are indeed very resourceful, and like that group of men who stayed behind, they will protect their people and property, and they are armed. Good thing! I know during the aftermath of past disasters it never seems to take long before we start hearing about marauding gangs of thugs coming around. Praying that your family in TX and in LA will all be OK. For all of us that aren't capable of going down there to help personally we can do the 2 things you mentioned, pray and donate. Will do! Thanks Joni
Thanks!
Hah hah, those birds got a real treat for lunch! I can only image the smell you faced at work. Your description made me chuckle, but I am sure it was not that funny having to clean up the mess. I am glad you dodged a bullet. I hope that the water doesn't breach your property. I am sure your sisters are distraught at the possible damage to their home. I am grateful you are all safe. Good luck with that clean up. Give your sisters a hug. They may need some comfort. A hug can go a long way especially in situations like this. I'll probably keep checking on you. This isn't over and our neighbors to the southeast are now in the thick of it. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.