At least five people have died in the midst of Hurricane Harvey, which has surged across the Gulf Coast of Texas this weekend, The New York Times reports. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm’s rains are expected to continue, leading to floods that are expected to last for days. Harvey’s impact is on its way to being historic, as BuzzFeed News reports that the FEMA chief believes relief operations will last for years.
Beginning as a Category 4 storm on Friday, Harvey weakened to the level of a tropical storm by Saturday afternoon. Despite the storm winding down, its impact is undeniable, with Texas officials having trouble answering distress calls of residents.
"This event is unprecedented and all impacts are unknown and beyond anything experienced," the National Weather Service tweeted on Sunday, sharing a map of the area's precipitation forecast.
This event is unprecedented & all impacts are unknown & beyond anything experienced. Follow orders from officials to ensure safety. #Harveypic.twitter.com/IjpWLey1h8
— NWS (@NWS) August 27, 2017
National Hurricane Center spokesman Dennis Feltgen said in an interview, "Everything that we had hoped wouldn't happen but was forecasted is happening. We have a catastrophic, life-threatening flood event taking place over southeastern Texas, including the Houston metropolitan area."
In addition to the five deaths reported in the Houston area, more than a dozen injuries have occurred and emergency responders completed over 1000 rescues throughout the night. Severe flash flooding quickly handicapped the ability to travel out of the area, leading to residents' desperate tweets directed at government officials. Those trapped at home were advised to climb to their roof for safety.
Houston Ave about a block from White Oak Bayou #Harvey#houstonflood@HPMNews887pic.twitter.com/dv9Z0nHMgq
— Gail Delaughter (@Gail_HPM) August 27, 2017
This image and the forecast of what is still to fall.... This is surreal. #HoustonFlood#Harveypic.twitter.com/zK9WojsMAH
— Matthew Sitkowski (@MattSitkowski) August 27, 2017
President Donald Trump has promised that he will visit Texas as soon as the situation stabilizes.
I will be going to Texas as soon as that trip can be made without causing disruption. The focus must be life and safety.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
Trump stirred up controversy (big surprise) for later tweeting about deals with Mexico and Canada less than an hour after addressing Harvey.
We are in the NAFTA (worst trade deal ever made) renegotiation process with Mexico & Canada.Both being very difficult,may have to terminate?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
Texas voted for you Mr. President. Your focus should be on the Americans dealing with catastrophic flooding.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) August 27, 2017
The storm's impact on the state's oil and gas industry is still unknown, but leaks and spills are to be expected.
Our thoughts are with those in Texas affected by Harvey. Stay safe!