WEB DESK
Texas is facing the wrath of Hurricane Imelda which has led to heavy rains & flash floods in its southern parts on Thursday. Jefferson county received a maximum rainfall of 43.15 inches.
One person died after his van submerged in Houston floodwaters. Over 1000 people have been rescued in low lying eastern Harris county. Bus and Rail services along with both airports of Houston were disrupted due to rains. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has advised people to be careful & not to venture out in the night. He said the water is receding and the storm has passed.
Earlier Texas governor declares state of disaster for flooding in 13 counties that are currently experiencing widespread flooding due to tropical storm Imelda. A press release from the Governor’s office said, this declaration will ensure local officials have access to any state resources they may require to respond to this severe weather.
Authorities say, a 19-year-old Southeast Texas man has drowned in floodwaters. High-water rescues are underway in some areas because of rising water. Commuters, parents of school children are appealed to remain in their offices and off city roads until flood waters from torrential rains recede. City emergency officials say hundreds of vehicles are stalled on Houston freeways and roads blocked by high water.
Harris County, with Houston as its county seat, is among the ones in state of disaster due to widespread flooding.
Tropical storm Imelda made landfall near Freeport along southeastern coastal Texas, about 100 km south of downtown Houston, Tuesday afternoon.
Public advisory by the U.S. National Hurricane Center said, the main threat from the storm may produce significant to life threatening flash floods. The National Weather Service has allowed flash flood warnings to expire for the Houston area, replacing them with a flash flood watch.
It also warned that isolated tornadoes will be possible over parts of southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas.
The National Weather Service says Imelda is the seventh-wettest tropical cyclone to strike the 48 contiguous United States on record. Imelda is also the fourth-wettest to strike Texas on record.