Rescue phone numbers, curfews, critical info in Houston flood emergency

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Thursday, August 31, 2017
Mayor discusses flood rescues in Kingwood
Mayor discusses flood rescues in Kingwood

The very latest information on the historic, catastrophic flood emergency in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

EVACUATIONS:

Latest list of communities under evacuation orders

PHONE NUMBERS:

For a medical/functional emergency call 211.

For a life-threatening emergency call 911.

If you need to be rescued call 281-238-3430

If you need info about shelters or help, inside Houston, dial 311. Outside Houston, dial 211

People in distress can call the following US Coast Guard numbers:

281-464-4851

281-464-4852

281-464-4853

281-464-4854

281-464-4855

You can also call the new Coast Guard Harvey emergency response line at 202-372-2100. Please call and provide your name, number of people trapped, number of pets, address and telephone number.

HELP:

- How to apply for FEMA assistance

- How to help the victims of Harvey

- HPD: Anyone with a boat who can volunteer to help. please call 713-881-3100

CURFEWS:

Houston - Midnight to 5 a.m.

Bellaire - Midnight to 5.am.

Ft. Bend County, unincorporated areas- Midnight to 6.am.,

West University Place - Midnight to 5 a.m.

Brazoria County - All areas of mandatory evacuation - Dusk to dawn, effective immediately

Dickinson - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Friendswood - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Pasadena - 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.

Pearland - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Webster - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

THURSDAY
9:53 a.m.

Texas A&M University at Galveston suffered no severe damage and is currently open for faculty and staff to report. Students will be moving in from Friday, September 1st to Sunday, September 3rd. The first day of classes will be Monday, Labor Day, September 4th. The Texas A&M University System does not observe Labor Day as a holiday. Please check www.tamug.edu for more details.

9:50 a.m.

The Harris County Residential Debris and Damage Assessment Hotline is now open to assist Harris County residents living in unincorporated areas of the County with recovery and rebuilding after Hurricane Harvey.

Harris County

Residential Debris and Damage Assessment Hotline

713-274-3880

The Harris County Residential Debris and Damage Assessment Hotline staff is available to help residents answer questions about the following list of services:

- Debris separation and removal from public roads and residential subdivisions.

- Residential/Commercial Permits for repairing or replacing a damaged structure.

- Phone numbers for other general recovery resources related to other basic needs.

The major goal of the Harris County Residential Debris and Damage Assessment Hotline is to ensure that public roads and other infrastructure do not pose an immediate threat to public safety. Harris County Residential Debris and Damage Assessment teams are currently working to conduct safety and damage assessments, while clearing debris from public roads in areas where flood waters have receded.

If you are in the process of clean-up and debris removal from your property, please take precautions to prevent disaster-related casualties and fatalities.

- Be aware of damaged water, gas, and electric lines.

- Be aware of damaged building and construction materials.

- Do not attempt to conduct major tree work or reconstruction without proper equipment, permits, and training.

- Be aware of household hazardous waste and contaminants.

- Report any hazardous materials spills to: Harris County Pollution Control Services Department at 713-920-2831.

9:34 a.m.

Jeff Lindner gave an update on situation at Inverness Forest, where flood water pressure is weakening a small part of the levee. The pressure essentially is putting the levee in danger of a breach.

Lindner specifically listed the following streets as those needing immediate evacuation:

  • Lindfield
  • Forsythe
  • Burnwood
  • Glouchester
  • Calderwood
  • Woodfield
  • Whitestone
  • Kenchester, north of Kingsbridge

Inverness Forest still is under mandatory evacuation through at least 6 p.m. Wednesday. Despite that, some residents still remain.

8:37 a.m.

8:32 a.m.

Following President Trump's visit with first responders in Corpus Christi and Austin, Acting Homeland Security Sec. Elaine Duke joined FEMA officials with a progress report on the federal response to Harvey.

She continued to carry on the president's "people first" mantra in the federal response. Duke also paid tribute to Houston police Sgt. Steve Perez, who drowned heading to work.

For FEMA's part, the agency's administrator, Brock Long, said life sustaining is huge and will grow in the coming years, with the focus on 50 counties and parishes in Texas and Louisiana. He urged folks to volunteer. Those who have sustained damage are also being urged to register for federal assistance.

So far, 195,000 registrations have been submitted through disasterassistance.gov. Of those registrations, $35 million have been provided. FEMA urges people to first register with their insurance company.

8:29 a.m.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said calls for water rescues is down to approximately 40.

8:09 a.m.

Inverness Forest remains under mandatory evacuation orders until 6 p.m. Wednesday. According to Jeff Lindner, of Harris County Flood Control District, the levee at Inverness Forest is experiencing seepage. Officials want to check on the levee before allowing residents back in.

In addition, nearly all of Harris County's water sheds have crested despite the record levels. Lindner expects those levels to fall in the coming days.

As for Addicks and Barker reservoirs, flooding continues for neighborhoods around the reserve pools. Officials also don't expect signif

8:05 a.m.

At 5 am on Wednesday, August 30, Motiva began a controlled shutdown of the Port Arthur refinery in response to increasing local flood conditions. Return to service is contingent upon recession of flood waters in the area. Our priority remains the safety our employees and community.

8:04 a.m.

Harris Co. Judge Ed Emmett says there are still people trapped in homes and rescues are still going on, with some trapped on second floors of homes.

He said there will be soon time to start the process of getting families back to normal and getting kids in the "schools that they should be in," referring to the held up first day of classes this week.

While he did not express an exact number of homes destroyed, Emmett said there could be as many as 40,000 homes impacted.

He made the call for volunteers but urged people to take care of themselves and to be careful on the roads. He placed a heavy emphasis on volunteering in surrounding counties, which, he said, have it worse than Houston.

5:42 a.m.

Postal operations have been significantly impacted in the region. Check "Service disruption alerts" or "Is my Post Office open" under "Residential customers" for the latest information.

USPS Service Alerts provide information to consumers, small businesses and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions due to weather-related and other natural disasters or events. Service alerts are done in near real time.

5:16 a.m.

Harris County Flood Control District says controlled releases on Addicks and Barker Reservoirs is increasing the flooding threat along Buffalo Bayou.

Affected Harris County residents are urged to report house flooding online or by calling the HCFCD phone bank at 713-684-4000.

4:48 a.m.

Klein ISD officials said Lemm Elementary in the Enchanted Oaks subdivision has major flood damage. The district will continue to assess how campuses fared the catastrophic floods in the area, and will announce any plans to keep campuses closed next week.

3:10 a.m.

FACT CHECK: Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management says there has been no levee failure in Sienna Plantation.

There has been some erosion, according to officials, as grass is being lost due to swift moving water. Sandbags are being used to help make up for that loss, which the county says is nothing more than a 'maintenance issue.'

2:32 a.m.

Wharton County Sheriff Shanon Srubar says residents in Orchard and Peach Creek Acres should be ready to evacuate at sunrise, but not anytime before that. Road closures across the county would make leaving at night unsafe, he told Eyewitness News.

Major flooding is expected for these areas as the river is coming up quickly and more swiftly than ever seen before, Srubar said.

In Wharton County, residents are watching rising water closely in the Orchard and Peach Creek Acres communities.

1:09 a.m.

Friendswood police said the Marines are in their city, assisting with clearing subdivisions after rising water threatened homes and lives. The Marines are expected to work through the night until 9 a.m., after arriving in the city at 3 p.m. They are then expected to head north.

Friendswood saw 50 inches of rain fall after the landfall during Harvey.

UPDATED 1:04 a.m. WEDNESDAY

3:20 p.m.

From the City of Friendswood...

RUMOR: The water is not safe to drink.

TRUTH: The City of Friendswood water supply is safe and plentiful.

RUMOR: There is an evacuation order for Friendswood.

TRUTH: Throughout Harvey, there had not been, and there is not now, any evacuation orders, either voluntary or mandatory for Friendswood.

5:32 p.m.

Coast Guard has rescued almost 3200 people, more than 113 pets. Using 20 helicopters, 9 teams in 20 boats - Nearly 2000 responders

1:57 p.m.

Friendswood continues to conduct high water rescues from flooding homes. Get to the second floor of your home. If you live in a one story home, get to the roof should it be necessary. Call 911 only if you need to be rescued or have a medical emergency.

We have received an outpouring of volunteer medical personnel, no additional medical personnel are needed at this time. For those wanting to donate, do not drop clothing at city facilities or temporary shelters. Information on how to donate will be available at a later time.

More than 3,000 homes are estimated to have flooded. At least 2,000 or more of these are not likely to have flood insurance as they were not considered to be in a NFIP flood zone. Water levels have far exceeded the "500 year" flood zones. Water levels are unprecedented.

If your home is dry, you are asked to stay off of the roads. Avoid driving through high water, turn around don't drown.

12:27 p.m.

Harmony Public Schools, in partnership with Northwest Catering Services, will provide up to 250 meals daily through Friday, September 1 to those affected by flooding related to Hurricane Harvey. Meal service will begin at 11 am each at at the Harmony School of Innovation-Sugar Land, 13522 Airport Blvd, Sugar Land, TX.

12:01 p.m.

Due to water pressure loss in the Lake Forest Utility District water distribution system caused by flooding from Tropical Storm Harvey, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our system (Lake Forest UD /TX1010494) to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice and posted in the system.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the District's Operator, Environmental Development Partners at 832-467-1599 or toll free at 1-866-467-1599.

10:38 a.m.

10:18 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

9:58 a.m.

FEMA in Texas says they have served 2.9 million meals, 2.8 million liters of water, and have 8,600 personnel on the ground helping in search, rescue and recovery efforts.

9:42 a.m.

9:31 a.m.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett stressed the need for the area to move into the recovery phase of the Harvey flood disaster. He noted that more shelters will need to be open for more evacuees but also cautioned that these people can't spend weeks in them.

"We have to come up with a whole new approach," Emmett said.

The judge also urged anyone who is able to volunteer, whether that's in the rescues or in shelters. He assured folks that anyone who shows up at a shelter to volunteer will do so immediately.

"You heard me say this over and over. I'm not real big on bureaucratic inertia," Emmett said referring to the entanglement of registering to volunteer. "If you can volunteer, we're going to take volunteers."

9:10 a.m.

Houston police said they are continuing to rescue flood victims this morning. HPD Chief Art Acevedo said since the flood emergency began, officers have rescued 3,400 people.

8:34 a.m.

The City of Friendswood is thankful for the offers of support and donations. With the high water surrounding Friendswood, it is impossible to drive donations to locations accessible to flood victims and evacuees in many parts of the City.

A building at the corner of South Friendswood Drive and East Shadowbend (formerly the King's Kids Center) is being prepared to receive and distribute donations from outside the city once the water recedes

8 a.m.

As expected, the Addicks Reservoir surpassed its capacity of 108 feet, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

Officials expect an "uncontrolled release" of water that will affect nearby communities, including Twin Lakes, Eldridge Park, Lakes on Eldridge, Lakes on Eldridge North, Independence Farms, Tanner Heights and Heritage Business Park. Impacts may include street and structural flooding. They urged residents living near the reservoir to keep an eye on water levels when they decide to evacuate.

The Army Corps and the Harris County Flood Control District also said Barker Reservoir is approaching its peak elevation of 104 feet, with water likely to overflow into the spillway.

Meanwhile, officials hope to reach controlled releases of 4,000 cubic feed per second for each reservoir today. More dam releases are expected in the future.

Nonetheless, they cautioned properties nearby upstream and downstream of the reservoirs will be affected. They hope, though, water flow will enter White Oak Bayou as a way to alleviate the already elevated Buffalo Bayou.

Officials estimate the drainage from the Buffalo Bayou to take days.

6:38 a.m.

Sprouts locations open for business Tuesday, Aug 29, after 8 a.m.:

- Store #130 - Spring Cypress (22506 Tomball Pkwy, Houston, TX 77070)

- Store #131 - Copperfield (7055 Hwy 6 N, Houston, TX 77084)

- Store #139 - Spring (20708 Kuykendahl Rd. Spring, TX 77379)

5:04 a.m.

Jeff Lindner, of the Harris County Flood Control District, said emergency officials are keeping a close eye on the Addicks Reservoir today as it is expected to over run its capacity. The flood control district will see how the water reacts when it comes to homes and businesses nearby.

About 8,000 cubic feet per second of water are being released Tuesday from both Addicks and Barker reservoirs.

Lindner also said today may be the first day that the true scope of flood damage can be seen within homes in certain parts of the area.

Lindner offered some hope, though, saying some creeks are beginning to recede.

"We've come a long way since Sunday," Lindner said.

4:29 a.m.

Bill Begley, of Houston Airport System, said Tuesday both Bush Interncontinental and Hobby airports are still closed to commercial passenger aircraft, with reopening at both still expected for noon Thursday.

According to Begley, United and Spirit airlines have already accommodated passengers who were supposed to connect at IAH through other airports.

Southwest did the same out of Hobby through Dallas Love Field.

Begley also addressed a viral photo that was purported to be of aircraft submerged in water at Hobby. He said Southwest jets are in service at other airports.

3:44 a.m.

The Montgomery County Pct. 3 Constable's Office said an elderly man is presumed dead after multiple witnesses said he went underwater while trying to swim across a flooded street in Spring.

The man was seen swimming on Spring Trails Ridge and the Grand Parkway when he went under. Witnesses tried to save the man, but he was carried away in fast-moving flood water.

3:40 a.m.

METRO services will continue to be suspended through Wednesday, Aug.30, 2017 due to unsafe road conditions and flooding. We are continuing to provide shuttles to transport people to area shelters.

3:26 a.m.

Houston Police are in need of help after days of drenching rains have depleted their supply of dry clothing. The Houston Police Officers' Union said they need donations of socks, underwear, and undershirts, You can deliver these items to 1600 State Street in Houston.

UPDATED 3:00 a.m. TUESDAY

The U.S. Coast Guard has launched a new line for people in need of rescue during Tropical Storm Harvey. You can call 202-372-2100 for help. Callers need to be ready to provide their name, number of people trapped, number of pets, address and telephone number for help.

1:05 p.m.

If you are in need of dialysis treatment in the Houston area, DaVita has nearly 50 locations open. You can call 1-800-400-8331 or visit DaVita's website.

11:03 a.m.

Texas Children's is continuing normal inpatient operations today, but all clinics are closed and all outpatient procedures are canceled at the three Texas Children's Hospital campuses today and Tuesday, including the Texas Medical Center campus, West Campus and The Woodlands.

All Texas Children's Health Centers, as well as community Maternal-Fetal Medicine and OB/GYN clinics are closed today and Tuesday. The Centers for Children and Women are closed today and Tuesday.

In addition, all Texas Children's Pediatrics practices and Texas Children's Urgent Care locations will be closed today and Tuesday.

10:58 a.m.

The Houston Food Bank's warehouse is currently surrounded by high water and inaccessible to employees and volunteers. The building itself is undamaged. They will open as soon possible to begin providing food and supplies to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

10:55 a.m.

Memorial Hermann First Colony Hospital will close until further notice. In addition, Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Katy, Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center at Summer Creek and Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Spring will remain closed until further notice.

The closures affect all services provided at these locations, including the 24-hour emergency rooms, imaging centers, and diagnostic labs. Patients in the Katy, Summer Creek and Spring neighborhoods and surrounding communities who are in need of emergency services are encouraged to seek care at the Emergency Centers at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, respectively. To locate the Memorial Hermann emergency room nearest you, please call 713.222.2273 or visit www.memorialhermann.org.

All elective procedures and appointments were cancelled for Monday. If you are unsure if this applies to you, we urge all patients to call their physician office, clinic or service location before leaving home to confirm if the facility in question is in fact operational today.

10:33 a.m.

The Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Galveston/Bolivar Ferry Operations will resume intermittent service this morning using one vessel. Weather and tidal conditions will dictate if services are suspended.

For more information, contact the Houston District Public Office at 713-802-5076.

10:23 a.m.

I-10 West WB at Pederson is closed due to rising water north & south of the freeway. Total closure including EB is imminent.

10:23 a.m.

Johnson Space Center is closed during the flooding disaster. Mission Control remains operational around the clock.

10:12 a.m.

A MESSAGE FROM FORMER PRESIDENT AND MRS. GEORGE H. W. BUSH TO THEIR FELLOW HOUSTONIANS AND TEXANS AFFECTED BY TROPICAL STORM HARVEY

"Barbara and I are in Maine, but our hearts are in Houston. We are praying for all of our fellow Houstonians and Texans affected by Harvey, and truly inspired by the flotilla of volunteers -- Points of Light all -- who are answering the call to help their neighbors. We salute them, the first responders, and the local elected officials for their grit and determination in the face of this extraordinary storm. This we know: Houston, and Texas, will come together and rebuild."

9:48 a.m.

The City of Pasadena announced it has issued a city-wide curfew between the hours of 10 p.m. until 7 p.m., beginning tonight until further notice. The curfew applies to everyone, with the exception of emergency workers and anyone authorized by the city's emergency management director to assist with disaster recovery.

8:38 a.m.

Pearland residents urged to stay in their homes or stay at their place of evacuation at least through Thursday. The city of Pearland said the date can shift based on changes to weather conditions. In addition, city facilities will be closed on Tuesday and any resident services will not be available.

Essential city personnel are expected to report to work. Workers should report to their immediate supervisor for report time and to make plans for homes and families.

If you have damage in your home, you can report that information to Pearland's website.

7:52 a.m.

Houston Police - Anyone with a boat who can volunteer to help please call 713-881-3100

7:19 a.m.

Katy ISD will be opening shelters on the south and north side of the district on Monday, August 28 to serve families and individuals impacted by Tropical Storm Harvey. Morton Ranch High School (MRHS) and Cinco Ranch High School (CRHS) will open at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow morning - offering shelter, and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to those in need.

While families are encouraged to remain vigilant and take precautions as hazardous conditions evolve, community members who are able and would like to donate blankets, pillows or towels, may do so by dropping items off at either high school. These items will be accepted on site for those taking shelter at MRHS and CRHS beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The District is providing these two locations as a resource for families who live in areas threatened by flooding, as state and federal emergency management agencies have yet to establish a shelter within the Katy ISD boundaries. Because the District will be closed for the week, Katy ISD will have access to a surplus of food supplies that it will be making available to community members seeking shelter at MRHS and CRHS throughout the week. Staff will also be on hand to serve meals and assist families at these locations.

"Any Katy ISD resident in need of shelter or just a warm meal are welcome to these two campuses this week," said Dr. Hindt. "We want to ensure the immediate needs of our families and students are met as our community continues to weather the storm and its aftermath, together."

For more information about school closings and campus shelters, please contact (281) 237-0175.

7:12 a.m.

The Harris County Pct. 4 Constables Office said they had to evacuate after 10 feet of water outside began to rise inside its central offices on Cypresswood Drive, in northwest Harris County. The deputies were set up at a make shift command center. Constable Mark Herman said there have been no interruptions in emergency service calls.

5:16 a.m.

Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office will be collecting items for families affected by the storm - non-perishable items, diapers, wipes, hygiene items, soap, etc. Drop off donations at 1302 Preston, Houston TX 77002 when water has receded. Contact Erica Davis: 832-286-3876

Harvey Emergency Resources from Northwest Assistance Ministries

UPDATED 4:42 a.m.

Alan Spears, with the Ft. Bend County Office of Emergency Management, said residents there are keeping their on rising water. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations have been called, and Spears said people need to exercise caution and wait until dawn to leave their homes.

The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management warned residents not to evacuate until the sun comes up.

3:34 a.m.

New Record Release and Water Level for Lake Conroe The Lake Conroe water level has now risen to 205.88 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The previous record water level for the lake was 205.60 in 1994. The current release rate from Lake Conroe is 73,201 cubic feet per second (cfs). The previous record set in 1994 was 33,360 cfs. Hurricane Harvey has created an extreme weather event for the entire Houston region, and SJRA personnel are working around the clock to deal with the tremendous amounts of rainfall that are impacting the watershed.

3:21 a.m.

The bridge on Highway 105 at the San Jacinto River is anticipated to be flooded by 3:30 a.m. due to record levels of water being released from Lake Conroe Dam. Flooding is imminent in several areas. The alternate route between Conroe and Montgomery is FM 1097 between I-45 and 149.

1:07 a.m.

The Harris County Flood Control District says roadways that run through the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs are going underwater as stormwater levels approach their limits. The reservoir gates were closed on Friday as a precaution before rains from then-Hurricane Harvey hit the Houston area.

House flooding in some neighborhoods on Addicks Reservoir's western and northern boundaries is expected to begin as early as this morning, Sandra Ortiz said.

12:43 a.m. MONDAY

The Army Corps of Engineers have started a controlled release of floodwaters from the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs.

11:53 p.m.

Fort Bend Co. Judge Robert Hebert announced two Sugar Land levee districts are under a mandatory evacuation, including First Colony Levee Improvement District #1 and those living within the Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District #7.

Ft. Bend County Judge Hebert about evacuations along the Brazos River

The mayor of Bay City said the entire city is under mandatory evacuation by 1 p.m. tomorrow. Officials believe 10 feet of water will rise downtown.

10:15 p.m.

A voluntary evacuation has been issued for residents in the Inverness Forest Subdivision in north Harris County. Officials believe water levels will reach the top of the levee by Monday morning. Officials say residents north of Kingsbridge Rd. should seek higher ground tonight.

VIDEO: Jeff Linder with HCFCD discusses evacuation order for Inverness Forest

Jeff Linder with Harris County Flood Control discusses voluntary evacuation order for Inverness Forest

9:00 p.m.

Beginning Sunday, Aug. 27, a curfew will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the city of Webster.

7:10 p.m.

Beginning Sunday, August 27, 2017 in the City of League City, a curfew will be in effect from 10PM to 6AM. Saturday night and early Sunday morning, emergency personnel were involved in an extremely high volume of night time, vehicular water rescues. With more rain in the forecast, City leaders are hoping to avoid the same type scenario and want to minimize high water related risks for our citizens. The curfew will remain in effect until further notice.

6:35 p.m.

Seabrook Mayor Kolupski has signed into effect an order setting a curfew beginning tonight at 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Monday morning that prevents persons without authority from being on the streets and right-of-ways in Seabrook

5:35 p.m.

Bayshore Medical Center in Pasadena begins evacuation - Due to rising water, the decision has been made to begin evacuation and suspension of services at Bayshore Medical Center, including its 24-hour emergency center. One hundred and ninety six (196) patients are being evacuated to Clear Lake Regional Medical Center, Conroe Regional Medical Center, Houston Northwest Medical Center, Kingwood Medical Center, Mainland Medical Center, Pearland Medical Center, Tomball Regional Medical Center and West Houston Medical Center.

All patients are safe and continuing to receive treatment.

5:20 p.m.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo - We have completed 90 flood rescue missions resulting in over 1,100 community members being brought to safety by Houston Police.

4:00 p.m.

The City of Pasadena has instituted a curfew from 10pm tonight until 7am Monday morning.

3:40 p.m.

Gallery Furniture is welcoming Houstonians in need of shelter from rising flood waters to the location off I-45 North between Tidwell and Parker. Gallery Furniture is stocked with food, water, plenty of mattresses and looks forward to keeping their neighbors safe from the storm.

"Houstonians have a safe, dry place to take shelter at Gallery Furniture so if they can get here they are welcome," said owner Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale. "We hope to give them some comfort in this incredibly difficult time."

McIngvale has asked if anyone has access to pet kennels or crates that they can loan to the store, it would be greatly appreciated.

3:30 p.m.

Beginning Sunday, August 27 in the city of Friendswood a curfew is in effect from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

2:40 p.m.

According to an airport systems spokesperson, 408 passengers are currently stranded at Hobby Airport. At least 100 passengers are stranded at Bush.

The roadways to each airport are underwater, so airport and airline officials are scrambling to figure out how and when they will evacuate them.

2:35 p.m.

Texas has now activated more than 5,000 members of its National Guard, Air National Guard and Texas State Guard in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. This just hours after they'd announced they were activating 2,000 Guardsmen to help with the storm.

1:40 p.m.

Curfew

The City of Pearland will enforce a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew beginning tonight, Aug. 27.

Damage reports

If you have experienced damage in your home, please report that information to us at pearlandtx.gov/damagereport.

Emergency alerts

Residents should sign up to receive emergency alerts at pearlandtx.gov/alerts. The City of Pearland will release more information as it becomes available.

Contact Us

For emergencies - Call 911

Service requests - Call 281.652.1900

General questions/inquiries - cityofpearland@pearlandtx.gov

1:21 p.m.

From Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office: Confirmed tornado touchdown FM 442/FM 360. Witnessed by deputy.

PHONE NUMBERS TO CALL FOR HELP:

People in distress can call the following US Coast Guard numbers:

281-464-4851

281-464-4852

281-464-4853

281-464-4854

281-464-4855

12:44 p.m.

If you need info about shelters or help, inside Houston, dial 311. Outside Houston, dial 211

12:40 p.m.

City of Baytown reminds that they can only provide services to their residents. Please do not call their information line unless you a resident.

12:40 p.m.

Due to a power outage flooding at the League City fire department, Texas Search and Rescue and League City firefighters are using the H-E-B League City (2755 E. League City Parkway, League City, TX 77573) location as their command center and shelter. We are keeping the first responders connected through our WIFI and able to communicate as this storm continues as well as opening our doors to the victims seeking shelter. They are arriving by boat and kayak and we are here until all are safe.

12:00 p.m.

Commander Spitler of the U.S. Coast Guard just said the rescue efforts so far "feel pretty similar" to Hurricane Katrina.

11:30 a.m.

ALL MD Anderson Cancer Center locations will remain closed for outpatient services and appointments, as well as surgeries, on Sunday, Aug. 27, and Monday, Aug. 28, due to severe weather in the Houston area. Only inpatient hospital care areas will remain active. If there are immediate medical needs, patients should access care at their local hospitals. Patient appointments will be rescheduled once the weather emergency has been resolved.

Currently, roads around the Texas Medical Center Campus are impassable. Patients and staff should not attempt to travel.

11:16 a.m.

From Coast Guard Capt. Kevin Oditt:

-If you need emergency assistance call 911 or US Coast Guard 281-464-4851

-Rescuing based on priority, elderly and children

-Don't go in your attic, rescuers cannot see you

-Coast Guard is bringing crews from all over nation to help in response

-8 helicopter crews working now with 11 more on the way

-100 people rescued from the air. Have received 500 phone calls

-Rescued residents taken to Texas Natl Guard Ellington

10:55 a.m.

Rosenberg Police: The 3900 block of FM 762 (in front of 24 HR fitness) has just collapsed. There is a massive sinkhole in the roadway. AVOID THE AREA!

10:31 a.m.

Baytown has experienced significant rainfall over the past 12 hours, causing significant flooding. Residents are being asked to stay where they are if they are and avoid streets.

Please do not call 911 unless it is a life threatening emergency. Emergency crews are working to rescue those in need. Report residential flooding to 281-420-5311.

10:30 a.m.

Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center at Summer Creek and Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Spring are currently closed until further notice. The closures affect all services provided at these locations, including the 24-hour emergency rooms, imaging centers, and diagnostic labs.

All major Memorial Hermann hospital locations remain open and operational.

9:20 a.m.

League City Police Department: We are looking for people with flat bottom or low water boats to assist with rescue and evacuation. Please call 281-554-1075 if you can be mobile with your boat and are experienced in operation of the boat.

9:05 a.m.

Texas Children's is continuing normal inpatient operations today, but all clinics are closed and all outpatient procedures are canceled at the three Texas Children's Hospital campuses today and Monday, including the Texas Medical Center campus, West Campus and The Woodlands.

Earlier this morning, Texas Children's Hospital's Medical Center campus deployed flood gates at West Tower, Wallace Tower and Feigin Tower to do everything we can to prevent flooding in our facilities.

All Texas Children's Health Centers, as well as community Maternal-Fetal Medicine and OB/GYN clinics are closed today and Monday. The Centers for Children and Women are closed today.

In addition, all Texas Children's Pediatrics practices and Texas Children's Urgent Care locations are closed today.

8:25 a.m.

Tonight, the City of Pearland will enforce a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

7:25 a.m.

U.S. Coast Guard is conducting urban search and rescue in the greater Houston area. Do not call for rescue if you are not in a life-threatening situation. Rescue teams are prioritizing rescues by urgency.

If you are in need of rescue, call 911 or the U.S. Coast Guard Houston Command Center at 281-464-4851

Currently there are five MH-65 Dolphin Helicopters conducting rescues in the greater Houston area.

6:20 a.m.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo calls this a 500 year event. All bayous are over banks. More than 1,000 rescues so far.

Chief Acevedo said some people just didn't listen. Now their cars are underwater.