WEATHER ALERTS at 1:45 pm: There is a Flash Flood Warning for much of Southeast Texas, including Houston, until 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
CLOSURES:School closures, cancellations in Houston Area
FORECAST:When will the rain go away?
Dayton ISD has canceled classes for Thursday, Sept. 19 and Friday, Sept. 20
Hardin ISD has canceled classes for Thursday, Sept.19 and Friday, Sept. 20
Livingston ISD has canceled classes for Friday, Sept. 20
New Caney ISD has canceled classes for students Thursday, Sept. 19 and Friday, Sept. 20. All school related activities have been canceled or postponed until school resumes.
Tarkington ISD will be closed Friday, Sept. 20
MAPS: Steer clear of these flood-prone spots in Houston
12:13 pm. Thursday -- "I’ve issued a disaster declaration for Harris County. This disaster declaration will allow us to ensure we have the maximum flexibility we need to respond and recover from this disaster." --Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
(WEATHER) Torrential rainfall from Tropical Depression Imelda has led to life-threatening flooding across Southeast Texas. Around 70,000 without power.
Law enforcement officials from Houston the Louisiana state line pleaded with residents to stay off the roads. The National Weather Service in Houston issued a flash flood emergency for parts of southwestern San Jacinto, east central Montgomery, Chambers, and Liberty counties.
"This is an incredibly dangerous, life-threatening situation," the NWS said.
- Flash flood emergencies are declared in parts of five counties.
- Floodwaters trap people in homes and cars from Winnie to Beaumont, Texas.
- Residents in three communities in Hardin County are ordered to leave their homes.
- Many schools will remain closed on Thursday.
- East of Houston, a confirmed tornado damaged homes in Baytown on Wednesday.