Houston's flood of biblical proportions, in photos

[IceWizard]

April 19, 2016; 7:02 AM

Torrential rainfall inundated the Houston area on Monday morning, shutting down the city.

At least five people died in weather-related incidents, CNN reported late Monday. They were all found in their vehicles. Houston officials said Monday's rainfall produced the largest flooding event since Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 because of the widespread nature.

City officials encouraged all residents to avoid travel as roadways were impassable. Most public school districts closed on Monday, with some of them remaining closed for Tuesday.

The University of Houston canceled classes as well.

Debris was seen floating through city and residential streets as water rose as high as mailboxes in some areas.

More than 120 structures in Houston reported flooding, but officials said that number will rise as assessment continues. More than 1,200 high-water rescues were performed from Sunday into Monday, officials said.

The city opened several emergency shelters throughout the region. In parts of western Harris County, more than 14 inches of rain fall in less than 24 hours.

Parts of downtown Houston have received nearly 6 inches of rain in the past 24 hours.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a state of disaster for nine counties on Monday evening.


Flooding shut down major roadways throughout the Houston area on Monday. (Photo/Samantha Fong)


At one point on Monday, more than 100,000 CentrePoint energy customers were without power. Workers were having difficulties performing restoration efforts due to the numerous flooded roads, the utility said.

At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, 870 flights were canceled on Monday.

"As the storm approached Houston early on Monday, it was very slow moving," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said. "Another line of thunderstorms developed from the west, eventually enhancing the rainfall."

Rainfall will continue into midweek, exacerbating any flooding, Roys said.

Road crews from the Texas Department of Transportation were out making sure roads were safe and passable all over the six-county Houston District.

The Houston Texans had to delay the start of their off-season program as offices were closed due to the flooding. Last year, the team had to cancel the start of organized team activities due to the intense flooding over Memorial Day weekend.



**Note

I have friends and family all over Houston... One good friend told me in his 50+ years, he'd never seen Houston under that much water! Now I myself have seen some deep water down yonder, but he said,"Man, you ain't seen nothin like this!"