The death toll is expected to rise in Texas, as numerous people are still missing in Austin and Houston.
— TEXAS (@UTProbs) May 26, 2015
Houston, the fourth most populous city in the US, was virtually submerged under water will 11 inches of rain falling in parts of the city on Tuesday. The storm knocked out power, bringing the city to a standstill, as first responders were slowed down due to the inundated highways. Six people have been reported dead in the city, with at least two missing.when
— stephanie (@PHILOCALYLOUIS) May 26, 2015
"The rain has the potential to cause additional street flooding so residents are advised to be careful as they commute to work," The city of Houston said in a statement.
According to the city, the latest victim was a 31-year-old man whose body was found near a submerged vehicle.
— Texans Cheerleaders (@TexansCheer) May 26, 2015
Flash floods in the city have also resulted in river overruns and numerous abandoned cars. According to the mayor, nearly 4,000 properties have "significant damage."
On Tuesday, a biker found a casket on a roadway in the city. After police opened it and found a body inside, investigators said it was unearthed from a nearby cemetery due to the flooding.
— The Bishop (@BillBishopKHOU) May 26, 2015
Over 200 flights were cancelled on Wednesday as a result of the tumultuous weather from both Dallas and Houston’s busy airports.
— Adrienne (@Adrienne2009) May 27, 2015
Parts of Austin were also flooded on Tuesday, as the city was hit by up to seven inches of rain.Downtown Austin flooding.
— Texan Gent (@TexanGentsCode) May 26, 2015
Officials are also concerned that a dam near Dallas may burst due to surging waters, and police have already begun evacuating people living near the area. The Padera Dam in Midlothian, just 23 miles southwest of Dallas, leaked after the heavy rain, allowing water to flow over the top. However, engineers have said that it will hold.
"Engineers have assessed the dam and do not anticipate a failure at this time." Midlothian police said in a statement.
— John Moffitt (@JohnRMoffitt) May 27, 2015
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday added eight counties to the list of declared disaster sites, bringing the total up to 21. There is still no damage estimate available for the state, which the country’s main domestic source of energy and has a $1.4 trillion-a-year economy.
