More storms roar across Houston area with road closures
Xinhua, May 28, 2016 Adjust font size:
More storms raged through the Houston region Friday night, bringing thunder, lightning and road closures.
Some highways surrounding the nation's fourth largest city were affected by floodwaters, and flights were delayed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to the website of the local English daily the Houston Chronicle.
In Houston, where an emergency operations center opened on Thursday, officials are monitoring severe weather conditions, and have erected barricades at 50 locations to prevent people from entering high-water areas. Meanwhile, some school districts canceled classes.
The Red Cross opened a shelter in Hempstead, a city in Waller County,for those forced to leave their homes.
The mayor of Simonton, a city in Fort Bend County, urged all residents to voluntarily evacuate as a result of the heavy storms.
In Washington County, two people died and another person went missing after severe flooding. Authorities so far have rescued more than 50 people from flooded areas and more rescue work is likely ongoing as the rain continues to fall.
The weather service has warned that heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue through Sunday. Endi