Hurricane Harvey was downgraded to a tropical storm on Saturday, but rain continues to pound south Texas. And the photos that have emerged from cities near the Gulf of Mexico coast, including Houston, are devastating.
According to CNN, one person died in Rockport, Texas—at least six people reportedly have died overall—and early Sunday morning, scary photos of flooding in Houston began landing on Twitter.
Here’s what Rockport, which sits about 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi, looked like on Friday night and Saturday.
Video shows storm surge and high winds as Hurricane Harvey made landfall near Rockport, Texas https://t.co/q6nPbVFw7D pic.twitter.com/XA9atswNI3
— CNN (@CNN) August 26, 2017
Just got out of Rockport; no cell service there; catastrophic damage; homes, businesses destroyed. #hurricaneharvey pic.twitter.com/CJKPJOhEHZ
— Jeremy Schwartz (@JinATX) August 26, 2017
A rural area outside Rockport pic.twitter.com/CCYxVQarRk
— Manny Fernandez (@mannyNYT) August 26, 2017
It looks like a lake, but it's actually a rural field, a few miles outside Rockport pic.twitter.com/tJW2iaaK0Y
— Manny Fernandez (@mannyNYT) August 26, 2017
Roofless home on Glass Avenue in Rockport pic.twitter.com/SnPBVu4Yjl
— Manny Fernandez (@mannyNYT) August 26, 2017
First Baptist Church in Rockport pic.twitter.com/58jnJeTTrf
— Manny Fernandez (@mannyNYT) August 26, 2017
A boarded-up Rockport home: They saved their Hurricane Ike boards from 2008 pic.twitter.com/Q1FeHlt96o
— Manny Fernandez (@mannyNYT) August 27, 2017
In Houston, meanwhile, flooding became a major issue late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
“It’s catastrophic, unprecedented, epic—whatever adjective you want to use,” Patrick Blood, a National Weather Service meteorologist, told the Houston Chronicle. “It’s pretty horrible right now.”
Thus far, the National Weather Service is reporting that five people in Houston are dead, but that number is expected to rise.
Somewhere between five to 20 inches of rain fell over the Houston area overnight, and 15-25 inches more are expected during the next few days. Here are some photos from Houston.
Water coming into studio at #KHOU11… We are moving upstairs. pic.twitter.com/MMEljNatw7
— Doug Delony (@DougDelony) August 27, 2017
Car almost completely submerged at Gulf Fwy. & Wayside. Gulf Fwy. is shut down. #Harvey #Khou11 pic.twitter.com/bDYVLSKhcT
— Janelle Bludau (@janelle_bludau) August 27, 2017
#CNN now: People in Houston forced to leave their home after floodwaters rise overnight. "We busted down the door to use as a raft" pic.twitter.com/7PuiTSFGj0
— Craig Scholz (@CraigScholz) August 27, 2017
30 miles outside of Houston pic.twitter.com/FIUbijqX7S
— Jericka Duncan (@Jerickaduncan) August 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/jayjanner/status/901785400603181056
Houston's ANNUAL rainfall is 50". It's going to get that in a week. This will be catastrophic. https://t.co/3IInGhkQHf
— Mark Elliott (@markmobility) August 27, 2017
Here's what I-610 looks like in Houston this morning. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/c8pwOJL01s
— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) August 27, 2017
Daylight reveals the extent of flooding in Houston #hurricane #harvey #Houston buffalobayoupark #flood #flooding #… https://t.co/YCyGkAJg6M pic.twitter.com/wAYU7zZz7G
— DoubleHorn Photo (@DoubleHornPhoto) August 27, 2017
This could easily be one of the worst flooding disasters in U.S. History. The heavy rain will last thru much of the week #txwx #Harvey pic.twitter.com/kGWC8LL8aL
— Greg Postel (@GregPostel) August 27, 2017
911 services at capacity. If u can shelter in place do so, a few inches in your home is not imminent danger. Only call if in imminent danger
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) August 27, 2017
Meanwhile, here’s what President Donald Trump was tweeting about early Sunday morning, interspersing concern with people in Texas while promoting a book and bragging about his election.
A great book by a great guy, highly recommended! https://t.co/3jbDDN8YmJ
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
Great coordination between agencies at all levels of government. Continuing rains and flash floods are being dealt with. Thousands rescued.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
Many people are now saying that this is the worst storm/hurricane they have ever seen. Good news is that we have great talent on the ground.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
I will be going to Texas as soon as that trip can be made without causing disruption. The focus must be life and safety.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
I will also be going to a wonderful state, Missouri, that I won by a lot in '16. Dem C.M. is opposed to big tax cuts. Republican will win S!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
If you’re in danger in Houston, here’s what you should do.
WANT TO STRESS Persons should NOT go into their attics, but instead onto the roof, & if calling 911 stay on the line until it is answered!!
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) August 27, 2017