Catastrophic, Historic Flooding Happening Now in Houston, Death Toll Rising in Harvey   The Weather
Channel: Khaled Shfek
Date: 2017-08-27

Thousands of homes are taking on water and hundreds of people are trapped and stranded in rising floodwaters across the Houston metro after Harvey dumped more than 20" of rain. More than 1,000 people have been rescued across the area so far as the death toll from Harvey rose to six.

“There is life-threatening, catastrophic flooding happening now in Southeast Harris County,” Jeff Lindner of the Harris County Flood Control District told The Weather Channel.

Five people have died in the Houston area in unconfirmed flood-related deaths as torrential rain continues to fall, according to the National Weather Service. 

Dr. Greg Postel, meteorologist and hurricane specialist for The Weather Channel, said the flooding unfolding in the Houston area "could be the worst flooding disaster in U.S. history."

Included in the rescues were 50 children from two apartment complexes, according to the Associated Press.

Lindner said water had overtopped Interstate 10, that there had been more than 1,000 water rescues overnight in the Houston area and that hundreds more were stranded in cars across roadways in the area.

Flash flood emergencies have been issued area where the extreme rainfall has inundated homes, vehicles and killed at least five people. There are now three confirmed deaths in Harvey.

The Houston Chronicle notes that some highways are so deluged, water is lapping at ovehead signs. 

The Harris County medical examiner's office confirmed a woman was killed in flooding, according to the Associated Press. She appeared to have exited her vehicle in high water and was found 30 yards away by neighbors. The Houston Fire Department said a man died in floodwaters overnight Saturday into Sunday. More details on the other deaths were not immediately available.