Parts of Texas are underwater as Tropical Depression Imelda dropped more than 40 inches of rain in some counties around the Houston area.
The storm moved into the area on Tuesday with gusts of wind up to 50 mph.
On Thursday evening, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Twitter that he had declared a state of emergency in 13 counties so that counties could have access to state resources.
I’ve declared a state emergency amid amid flooding from Tropical Storm Imelda.
This gives counties counties access to state resources as they respond to the flooding.
This adds to water rescue squads already deployed by TX.#txlege
https://t.co/jBe7GCn2Vi via @TexasTribune
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 19, 2019
According to ABC News, at least two people have been killed as a result of the flooding. One man, 19-year-old Hunter Morrison, was “electrocuted and drowned” while trying to move his horse during a thunderstorm, the Jefferson County sheriff’s office reports.
Another man from Harris County reportedly died after he drove his van into floodwaters, and it became submerged.
The Huston Fire Department also responded to a building collapse. According to a statement on the HFD Twitter, “The flat roof of a post office facility mail distribution area collapsed. The building was occupied at the time, but everyone made it out.” Three people were reportedly transferred to nearby hospitals with minor injuries.
HFD is responding to a building collapse on Aldine Bender Road. The flat roof of a post office facility mail distribution area collapsed. The building was occupied at the time but everyone made it out. 3 people are being transported with minor injuries. @FireChiefofHFD pic.twitter.com/X6exlPtAY1
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) September 19, 2019
Reportedly more than 900 flights in and out of Texas have been canceled and all Metro Houston public transportation has been shut down.
According to USA Today, as of late Thursday, more than 1,700 combined rescues and evacuations have been carried out in Harris County. Harris County includes the city of Houston. The county’s total population is 4.7 million people.
The rain, which has been falling for three days, is expected to continue into Friday afternoon. Reportedly, up to four more inches of rain are expected to drop in some areas already heavily affected by the downpour.
According to ABC News, since Tuesday, more than 33 inches of rain have fallen on the town of Hamshire, Texas. Jefferson County, Texas has seen at least 43.1 inches of rain, the National Weather Service found.
The storm is expected to drift North throughout the day on Friday.
Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Thomas B. Shea/Stringer
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