Imelda’s torrential rains have flooded 13 counties in southern Texas, according to multiple reports.
The tropical storm not only stranded people in their homes, but the flooding also stranded drivers in their cars, according to ABC News. In addition, 900 flights were cancelled going to and from the Houston area, the news outlet reported.
USA Today reported that Houston officials said more than 1,000 rescues and evacuations had been completed due to the rising waters. In addition to the 40 inches of rain that has come down in the past three days, more is on the way.
Texas Game Warden tweeted,”[on the morning of Sept. 19] search and rescue activities are underway in the Beaumont area. Your Texas Game Wardens and State Park Police Officers are actively working with state and local partners.”
The National Weather Service office issued out a warning in Houston, “The Flash Flood Emergency has been continued and expanded. This is an incredible dangerous, life-threatening situation.”
The town of Hamshire, Texas, had received over 33 inches of rain since Sept. 17, with 24 inches falling during the first 12 hours the storm hit the area, ABC News reported. The amount of rainfall that befell Hamshire was equivalent to six months’ worth of rain—all within 48 hours.
Furthermore, the torrential rains had also hit Winnie, Texas, and according to Brian Hawthorne, the Chambers County Sheriff, the situation in Winnie was horrible, and caused roads to be untraversable, ABC News reported.
Houses that were devastated by Hurricane Harvey two years ago were again impacted as Imelda flooded the area. Anna Avales, from ABC News, stated her house in Winnie was still recovering from Harvey, and hoped this new torrential rain and flooding would soon end.
Over 300 people have been rescued from their homes in Chambers County. High profile vehicles such as dump trucks and airboats were used to help transport stranded residents, ABC News reported.
ABC News forecasts by nightfall on Sept. 19 rain may be scattered and not as concentrated. However, thunderstorms are forecast to hit the area again with up to another 4 inches of rain possibly falling on Sept. 20.
