HOUSTON, Texas — Texans are facing what may become the worst flooding event in the state’s history as Tropical Storm Harvey continues to dump record levels of rainfall on the central and upper Gulf Coast region. Houston emergency management officials have run out of boats and other rescue equipment used to respond to people trapped in their flooded homes. Houston 911 officials are adding additional staff to handle the overwhelming number of calls being received.

UPDATES BELOW: All times are Central Daylight Time

UPDATE 8:00 a.m.: U.S. Coast Guard video shows rescue of Houston-area man from rooftop in flooded subdivision.

UPDATE 7:45 a.m.: An insurance group says that the damage from Harvey could match Hurricane Katrina.

From Reuters:

WASHINGTON, Aug 27 (Reuters) – Flood damage in Texas from Hurricane Harvey may equal that from 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, said an insurance research group on Sunday. As heavy rain pounded Houston and Texas’s coastal counties, the Insurance Information Institute said it was still too soon to make precise estimates of the damage to homes and businesses. “It could be a flood loss like Katrina because of the amount of water that’s coming in … not as much wind as it will be water,” said institute spokeswoman Loretta Worters. Hurricane Katrina resulted in more than $15 billion in flood insurance losses in Louisiana and Mississippi that were paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program that is the only source of flood insurance for most Americans.

Read the rest of the story here.

Final update for Sunday night: “Texas Men Rush into Flood Waters to Save Baby”

THIS IS REAL AMERICA Texas Men Rush Into Flood Waters to Save Baby from Overturned Truck https://t.co/9Z54GuEQR1 via @people #HoustonStrong — Leah USA MADE (@LeahR77) August 28, 2017

UPDATE 7:15 p.m.: Tornado warnings continue across the Houston area.

Tornado Warning including Sugar Land TX, Mission Bend TX, Pecan Grove TX until 7:45 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/DPVE6f113a — NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) August 28, 2017

Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody sent manpower and resources to help Houston emergency response crews. He said his deputies are determined to “make an impact 4Texans!”

Keeping u in the loop, our boat crew about 30 minutes from launching and helping in rescue efforts in Houston. Old pic pic.twitter.com/bTf27J4wbb — Sheriff Robert Chody (@SheriffChody) August 28, 2017

More Good News Updates:

Houston media honor work of first responders:

Cajun Navy Heads to Texas:

“#Houston Hang on. The CAJUN NAVY is already activated and on the way.”https://t.co/J62KpUODPg pic.twitter.com/q4n7HuO9Pq — KPLC (@KPLC7News) August 27, 2017

Dogs Rescued:

A rescue worker carries two dogs to safety after evacuating their family from floodwaters in Houston, Texas. pic.twitter.com/dhoi5P7Ukq — Fox News (@FoxNews) August 27, 2017

Update 7:05 p.m.: Texas A&M Forest Serves officials tweeted map of Harvey response resources.

UPDATE 7 p.m.: National Weather Service reported at 7 p.m. that Tropical Storm Harvey is continuing to move back to the Texas Gulf Coast. At this time, “Harvey” is moving southeast on a heading of 130 degrees at 3 miles per hour. The poorly defined center is now located about 10 miles northeast of Victoria. Maximum sustained winds remain at 40 mph. The barometric pressure has increased to 29.53 inches.

The storm is expected to meander back to the coast over the next two days. Forecasters predict the storm will re-enter the Gulf of Mexico on Monday or Monday night. “Harvey” could possibly re-organize and strengthen once it moves back into the hot waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane to tropical force-winds have been pounding parts of Texas since Friday afternoon.

UPDATE 6:35 p.m.: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just announced they are releasing water from two of Houston’s major water retention areas. Water has been building in the resevoirs at a rate of about 4 inches per hour. It appears officials are attempting to take advantage of the current lull in the rain to gradually release water.

The Houston Chronicle reported:

Col. Lars N. Zetterstrom with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced late Sunday afternoon that rising levels in the Addicks and Barker reservoirs will force authorities to release water from both dams. Based on the corps data, the rising waters will place residents and their home in dangerous situations.

UPDATE 6:25 p.m.: Houston emergency management officials said “We’re not out of the woods yet,” as rainfall rates decrease across the 1,800 square footprint of Houston and Harris County.

The Harris County Flood Warning System shows rain has nearly stopped, at least for the last hour, all across the county. The highest rainfall is currently being recorded in far west Harris County where less than one inch fell in the last hour.

President Donald Trump to visit Houston on Tuesday: President Donald Trump announced he will travel to Texas to observe the damage and help coordinate rescue and recovery efforts as Houston continues to pelt the Texas coastal bend with rain. “We are coordinating logistics with state and local officials, and once details are finalized, we will let you know,” White House officials stated. “We continue to keep all of those affected in our thoughts and prayers.”

U.S. Coast Guard helicopters begin to survey the devastating floods in Houston:

#USCG Video: Coast Guard assess the aftermath of damage caused by #HurricaneHarvey during their search and rescue operations. pic.twitter.com/23eSED1ka5 — USCG Heartland (@USCGHeartland) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 6:00 p.m.: Law enforcement agencies around the state of Texas did what they could to send help to Houston. Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody sent help from central Texas.

And their off to Houston! Prayers for safety to our folks. Mark my words, WilCo will make a difference in Houston. pic.twitter.com/EKDJgp2pPw — Sheriff Robert Chody (@SheriffChody) August 27, 2017

Fireants form an island and float to dry land in Houston:

Fire ants form a protective island as they float out the #Houston flood pic.twitter.com/UBORwAzA4R — Omar Villafranca (@OmarVillafranca) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 5:50 p.m.: Rockport’s iconic “Big Tree,” a 1000-year-old oak tree located just north of Rockport in Goose Island State Park survived yet another direct hit from a hurricane. While the ancient tree has been struggling in recent years from the Texas drought, she stood strong against the 110 mph winds of Category 4 Hurricane Harvey.

UPDATE 5:45 p.m.: Traffic jam in Houston.

The City of Dallas has received a formal request by the State to house up to 5,000 Gulf Coast victims of Hurricane Harvey. The city is preparing the Dallas Convention Center and are working to have it ready to take in people on Tuesday morning, August 29.

Dallas has been asked by the State of Texas to open @KBHCCDallas to host Gulf Coast evacuees. https://t.co/aBcLlPKJku — City of Dallas (@CityOfDallas) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: Texas Governor Greg Abbott requested Defense Secretary James Mattis to set up a Texas National Guard Dual Stats Command to provide a single commander for both federal and state authorities to respond to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

“It is imperative that we give our military and first responders on the ground the most efficient method of execution when responding to the urgent needs of Texans,” Governor Abbot said in a statement obtained by Breitbart Texas. “The Dual Status Command will ensure that the Texas National Guard is overseeing all response efforts in a way that most closely coordinates with federal troops and military efforts to ensure the needs of the victims of Hurricane Harvey are being met as swiftly and effectively as possible. I thank Secretary Mattis for his cooperation and immediate response to our request and continue to assure the people of this state that Texas is doing everything possible to aid in your time of need.”

Abbott deployed more than 3,000 Texas National Guard members and 2,000 Texas Department of Public Safety troopers.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: Centerpoint Energy reports more than 80,000 customers without power in the Houston area.

Centerpoint reporting over 80K customers without power: https://t.co/TYd389GIJq pic.twitter.com/LyjekLMzIp — ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) August 27, 2017

Good News Update: Ten people who were on their roofs near Braes Bayou were rescued by good Houstonians with a high truck.



#BREAKING – @8thWonderBrew is using a high truck to help rescue people near Brays Bayou. We’re told they found 10 people on roofs. #ABC13 pic.twitter.com/03kDBKBbh7 — Steve Campion (@SteveABC13) August 27, 2017

“Monster Truck to the Rescue!”

MONSTER TRUCK RESCUE: About to load up to rescue some people. #HurricaneHarvey @abc13houston pic.twitter.com/IZrSm7uwue — Foti Kallergis (@FotiABC13) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.: Twitter user posted before and after pictures of the bayou leading into downtown Houston.

A similar comparison from the Texas Tribune:

The left is Memorial Parkway on Saturday. The right is Memorial Parkway Sunday morning. #Harvey #HoustonFlood https://t.co/88qQ8fcKZ4 pic.twitter.com/RKevt6b92A — Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) August 27, 2017

Meanwhile, “Harvey” continues to mess with Texas:

National Weather Service Houston reports that widespread rain totals in the Houston area as of 3 p.m. was over a foot of rain.

Latest radar estimate at 3 pm shows widespread rain totals over 1 foot thus far. Still more rain to come in next several days! #houwx #txwx pic.twitter.com/Kvzk0PNnGh — NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) August 27, 2017

Latest update from NHC shows little change of Tropical Storm #Harvey‘s location or strength in the past 3 hours #houwx #glswx #bcswx #txwx pic.twitter.com/zdNftTAghI — NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 4:50 p.m.: Earlier on Sunday, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez warned Houstonians against driving the wrong way on freeways, even if they are blocked by water.

Please do not drive the opposite way on the freeway. Our @HCSOTexas team just on-viewed this major accident. Too many are doing it. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/r9VZIPiOWH — Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 4:35 p.m.: Relief may be coming to the Houston area as the latest radar images show rain bands from Tropical Storm Harvey beginning to move north. The southeast parts of the county which experienced up to 25 inches of rain in the past 24 hours are coming into the clear. This should allow floods to begin draining.

The Harris County Flood Management System reports most rain gauges showing less trace amounts to just over 1 inch of rain in the past most parts of southeast Harris County report zero to .2 inches of rain in the past hour. Harris County’s far west side is reporting the heaviest rainfall at this time with about 1 to 1.5 inches of rain.

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.: “It is brutal out here,” rescue workers told KPRC NBC2 in Houston. “With darkness approaching, we are going to have to shut down these rescues soon.”

On its first day in Houston, the flooding caused from #Harvey-related storms has surpassed that of Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. KPRC’s Justin Stapleton tweeted, “TS Allison has been dethroned.” Thru 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon, the rainfall has made August the wettest month on record.

UPDATE 4:12 p.m.: Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez jumps in the water with @HCSOTexas rescue teams to help retrieve a man who had been in eight feet of water since 2 a.m.

Chief T and I in water with @HCSOTexas team assisting with rescue. He’d been stuck in 8′ water since 2am. He was relieved. pic.twitter.com/eQ7pAMrCJx — Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: The Houston Office of Emergency Management reported at around 4 p.m. Sunday that Houston 911 received over 56,000 calls from 10 p.m. Saturday, to 1:00 p.m. Sunday.

From 10pm Sat to 1pm Sun., Houston 911 received over 56,000 calls. During an average day, they usually handle about 8,000. #harvey — Houston OEM (@HoustonOEM) August 27, 2017

Latest radar estimate at 3 pm shows widespread rain totals over 1 foot thus far. Still more rain to come in next several days! #houwx #txwx pic.twitter.com/Kvzk0PNnGh — NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 4:05 p.m.: The finger pointing begins as Fox News Channel’s Britt Hume and the Washington Post as why Houston wasn’t evacuated.

Good question –>Harvey is causing ‘epic catastrophic flooding’ in Houston. Why wasn’t the city evacuated? https://t.co/gMug7ZCi82 — Brit Hume (@brithume) August 27, 2017

Harris County Judge Ed Emmitt addressed this issue in an exclusive interview with Breitbart Texas early Sunday morning.

“We knew this was coming,” Emmett said. “Unfortunately, we are now experiencing exactly what we predicted.”

“Because this is a rain event, we don’t know where or when particular areas will flood,” Judge Emmett explained. “Right now, our focus is on southeast Harris County. That is where we are moving our resources.”

“We have 4.7 million people spread over 1,800 square miles,” he concluded. “It would be impossible to know where or who to evacuate in advance. We have to be reactive.”

UPDATE 4.00 p.m.: On Sunday afternoon, Harris County Emergency Management officials open George R. Brown Convention Center to serve as a shelter for evacuees.

.@GRBCC has officially been opened as a shelter for the City of Houston #Harvey — Downtown Houston (@DowntownHouston) August 27, 2017

Other shelters can be found here.

UPDATE 3:55 p.m.: Sprint waives fees for text messages and phone calls through Sept. 1 to help people keep in touch, according to text message received by Breitbart Texas on Sunday afternoon.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: Texans don’t wait for federal assistance — 15-year-old Houstonian responds with his personal boat to help rescue people in Meyerland (SW Houston).

15 yr old Declan and friends have been picking people up in Meyerland since late morning @HoustonChron #houstonflood pic.twitter.com/fOh8lwXBzm — Mark Mulligan (@mrkmully) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: Houston Transtar traffic management officials ask Houstonians to remain off the roadways unless absolutely necessary to move: Flooded roadways and highways can be seen on the network of traffic cameras maintained by the agency. Although a list of road lanes affected by the flooding can also be found, authorities are asking people to stay where they are. A link to statewide road conditions is also on the homepage of the website.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: Houston’s downtown floods threaten Harris County Courthouse Annex and Jail.

Flood waters submerge cars in Texas Medical Center.

Right outside the hospital where I work in the Texas Medical Center. #HurricaneHarvey #HoustonFlood pic.twitter.com/gUiUOu3HmO — Monica (@LifeLibertyPax) August 27, 2017

Meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch shows the extent of flooding in Houston’s downtown area.

Right outside the hospital where I work in the Texas Medical Center. #HurricaneHarvey #HoustonFlood pic.twitter.com/gUiUOu3HmO — Monica (@LifeLibertyPax) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: National Weather Service officials now predict record setting rainfall totals in excess of 50 inches in “Harvey’s” wake. “The breadth and intensity of this rainfall are beyond anything experienced before. Catastrophic flooding is now underway and expected to continue for days.”

The FAA advised drone pilots to refrain from flying in the storm’s aftermath. “Allow 1st responders to work,” officials Tweeted.

UPDATE 3:15 p.m.: Texas National Guard in action — Neighbors helping neighbors.

ABC13’s Joe Gleason visits flooded home in the Houston area:

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:

RT to save a life. 911 isn’t answering in Houston, they are at capacity. #houstonflood #HurricaneHarvey pic.twitter.com/FpP26qlOa5 — Paige G’bria (@PaigeGbria) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: Tired of waiting for help, Houstonians find ways to get themselves, and their pets, out of harm’s way.

People tell me they’ve waited long enough for help, so they are walking several blocks w/ their pets to get out. #houstonflood @fox26houston pic.twitter.com/Xp5FOFhkvd — Sally MacDonald (@SallyMacFox26) August 27, 2017

Fox 26’s Mike Iscovitz reports Highway 288, on Houston’s south side, is completely flooded.

HPD rescued someone trapped on top of that car in the middle of 610. Yes, that tiny speck is a person. #hurricaneharvey pic.twitter.com/gHUL4qen0y — ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: Climate activists blame global warming and climate change for Hurricane Harvey and the Houston floods, Breitbart Texas reported. Twitter user @NashvilleResist wonders how long it will take for Al Gore to comment on the matter.

UPDATE 3:00 p.m.: Current radar shows center of Tropical Storm Harvey remains stationary over Cuero, Texas:

24 Hour Rainfall Totals from Harris County Flood Warning System as of 3 p.m. on Sunday.

UPDATE 2:55 p.m.: A report late Sunday morning from the National Weather Service shows an accumulation of nearly 30 inches of rain in a 60-hour period:

…TEXAS…

DAYTON 0.2 E 27.45

SANTA FE 0.7 S 27.42

SOUTH HOUSTON 4.0 SSW 24.54

LA MARQUE 1.8 E 24.53

LEAGUE CITY 2 W 22.08

BACLIFF 21.62

PEARLAND 3 NNE 20.84

BERRY BAYOU AT NEVADA AVENUE 19.52

BEAMER DITCH AT HUGHES ROAD 19.28

LA GRANGE 10.2 NW 18.89

HORSEPEN CREEK AT BAY AREA BOULEVAR 18.56

CIRCLE D-KC ESTATES 3.6 ESE 18.02

SUGAR LAND 1.0 W 17.97

CLEAR CREEK AT BAY AREA BLVD 17.84

MAGNOLIA 2.8 S 17.80

PASADENA 2 NW 17.72

WALLER 3.0 WSW 17.57

HOUSTON 1.4 NE 17.22

GOOSE CREEK AT BAKER ROAD 16.56

CLEVELAND 3.6 S 16.43

NEW ULM 5.1 S 16.14

PECAN GROVE 1 NNW 15.80

SMITHVILLE 15.77

ALVIN 3 SW 15.16

AUSTWELL 6 SSE 15.10

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Does anyone know if this family was ever rescued?

.@GalvCoTX Family needs help at 1510 Pinecrest, Dickinson, TX. pic.twitter.com/y86ohQHbWX — KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 2:45 p.m: The Texas National Guard is responding to their neighbors in need and Governo Abbott deploys over 1,000 Guardsmen and equipment.

Thanks to the Texas National Guard for their help to rescue flooded Texans. #HurricaneHarvey pic.twitter.com/lhpJtAne10 — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 27, 2017

Governor Greg Abbott expressed his “tremendous support” provided by President Trump and his staff.

Thank you for the tremendous support you and your staff have provided Texas. Together we will overcome this challenge. #HurricaneHarvery https://t.co/MYtT7vMvnx — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: Fifteen people rescued from Dickinson nursing home:

UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: “It’s already the biggest storm in Texas history,” Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, a Houstonian, said during an interview on KPRC. “I do believe the state, and we’ve gotten great assistance from the federal government… I believe we were as well prepared as we could be. It is still difficult to handle the magnitude of this.”

“We are looking at weeks and months,” Patrick said. “We are going to need a lot of labor to rebuild.”

A video on Twitter shows a Houston man bringing his own boat to flooded areas to attempt to rescue those stranded by the record floods.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: KPRC anchor Bill Balleza, reporting from his home because of flooding, said: “This is the worst thing I have ever seen.”

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett reported the 911 emergency dispatch system and rescue teams are inundated with calls for rescues, Breitbart Texas reported. The judge, who heads up the county’s emergency response services said boats and high-water vehicles are desperately needed.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed Texas National Guardsmen to help rescue flood victims:

Thanks to the Texas National Guard for their help to rescue flooded Texans. #HurricaneHarvey pic.twitter.com/lhpJtAne10 — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: The National Weather Service says up to 50 inches of rain may fall in the Houston area over the next few days.

This event is unprecedented & all impacts are unknown & beyond anything experienced. Follow orders from officials to ensure safety. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/IjpWLey1h8 — NWS (@NWS) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 2:20 p.m.: Caution, graphic language in video. A video published on Sunday shows one of many tornadoes that touched down in the Houston area during storms caused by the remnants of Hurricane Harvey:

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: Houston’s Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport are closed until further notice. Flooding of the inbound and outbound runways of Hobby Airport went completely underwater.

All commercial flight operations have been stopped until further notice. IB/OB roads are closed due to flooding. — Houston Bush Airport (@iah) August 27, 2017

All commercial operations at Hobby Airport have ceased until further notice. No flights in/out and roadways in/out are closed. — Hobby Airport (@HobbyAirport) August 27, 2017

The arrivals section of HOU is closed due to high water. Terminals are accessible via the departsure area. #HurricaneHarvey #fly2houston — Hobby Airport (@HobbyAirport) August 27, 2017

Airfield is closed due to standing water on runways. No inbound/outbound flights. Please check flight status before coming to HOU #HOUWX — Hobby Airport (@HobbyAirport) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 2:10 p.m.: Video shows KHOU reporter @BrandiKHOU flagging down a rescue truck as an 18-wheeler is trapped in rapidly rising water on the freeway:

Incredible, watch as @BrandiKHOU flags down a rescue boat on-air, saving this truck driver’s life https://t.co/EVvNbdt13k pic.twitter.com/3mYi9McniB — Hayley Jones (@meetmissjoness) August 27, 2017

KHOU had its own flooding problems as its station and studio became part of Houston’s Buffalo Bayou, Breitbart Texas reported.

Huffington Post reporter Tweeted a photo of a totally submerged car on Interstate 10 on Houston’s east side:

Flooding I-10E outside Houston. That’s a car. pic.twitter.com/a7Rh7qCJrb — Roque Planas (@RoqPlanas) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 2:00 p.m.: Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a mobile hospital is being dispatched to the Houston area. Transportation and communication equipment is being dispatched to Houston and the devastated areas along the Texas coast, including Rockport.

UPDATE 1:55 p.m.: Houstonians are in desperate need of help. Emergency crews are inundated with calls for service and rescue equipment has been maxed out.

The people of Houston are desperate for help right now. pic.twitter.com/UHBng9PJwb — Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) August 27, 2017

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Ben Taub Trauma Center surrounded by flood waters:

Pic from Ben Taub hospital in #Houston. They are surrounded by water… God please help keep them safe ❤ pic.twitter.com/QcZS9CjOrG — PolitiDiva™ (@realPolitiDiva) August 27, 2017

UPDATE: 1:30 p.m.: The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting that up to 50 inches of rain will fall in the Houston/Galveston area over the next few days.

“Harvey is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 15 to 25 inches through Friday over the middle and upper Texas coast, including the Houston/Galveston metropolitan area,” NWS officials posted in the 10 a.m. advisory Sunday morning. “Isolated storm totals may reach 50 inches in this region.

“Harvey” continues to retain its tropical storm ranking as it holds nearly stationary near Cuero, Texas. Sustained winds are reported to be 40 mph. The storm is moving toward the Texas coast at about 2 mph.

UPDATE: 12:10 p.m.: Harris County Sheriff’s Office calls for more rescue equipment:

As of this morning, TX Task Force 1 had difficulty getting to us. So, we are calling on residents to volunteer. Call 713-881-3100. #harvey — HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) August 27, 2017

Coast Guard rescue teams rescue a crew from a sinking boat:

WATCH: Coast Guard rescues people from sinking boat as Tropical Storm Harvey slams Texas https://t.co/hieURLiVGo pic.twitter.com/YtuR6OBu2j — The Hill (@thehill) August 27, 2017

Large sinkhole opens in Rosenberg, Texas, as flood waters continue to devastate south Texas:

Large sinkhole opens up in Rosenberg, Texas, southwest of Houston, amid historic flooding from #Harvey https://t.co/IkseYOVklN pic.twitter.com/6QRakK4xaH — ABC News (@ABC) August 27, 2017

UPDATE: 11:30 a.m.: Houston man claims hawk would not leave his car during Hurricane Harvey storms.

WATCH: A man in Houston claims a hawk would not leave his taxi cab as Hurricane Harvey barreled toward Texas Friday morning. pic.twitter.com/j2nZbarkvZ — NBC News (@NBCNews) August 26, 2017

UPDATE 11:15 a.m.: Houston Ship Channel officials report the largest port on the Gulf of Mexico is closed for at least 24 hours.

UPDATE: 11:00 a.m.: Houston emergency management officials said the 911 emergency dispatch system is overwhelmed with calls as the city experiences an “unprecedented rain event.” Flood victims have taken to social media to cry for help as they are unable to reach officials via telephone.

911 services at capacity. If u can shelter in place do so, a few inches in your home is not imminent danger. Only call if in imminent danger — City of Houston (@HoustonTX) August 27, 2017

KHOU’s Jason Miles reported the body of an unknown man has been found at a Walmart parking lot in La Marque, Texas. It is not known how he died. The area reportedly had been flooded and the man died grasping the rail of a shopping cart corral.

Sad to report man died in this Walmart parking lot in La Marque. Body beyond that truck. He’s grasping shopping cart corral #khou11 #harvey pic.twitter.com/qcKoGG6DuI — Jason Miles (@JMilesKHOU) August 27, 2017

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner told reporters the city’s 911 system has received more than 2,500 calls for service during the flood event thus far. Most of those calls have not been for life-threatening emergencies.

“All of the 911 call centers are experiencing EXTREMELY high call volume,” Houston Office of Emergency Management officials said in a statement obtained by Breitbart Texas. “DO NOT contact 911 to check the status of the weather, flooded roads, road closures, power outages, or other non-emergency inquiries. These calls are delaying help to true emergencies.”

Because of the overwhelming number of calls and long 911 wait times, flood victims took to social media to ask for help.

We Still Waiting On A Rescue At 11711 WoodShadow Dr. Houston, Tx 77013A Woman And “5” Kids Needs Help https://t.co/W1AdLexDiv — C H A R L E S (@iAmLilPopHTX) August 27, 2017

KHOU CBS 11 Tweeted to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Houston Fire Department about a baby girl on a ventilator who was in need of rescue. “Please help this baby @SheriffEd_HCSO @cohoustonfire.”

Breitbart Texas reported Friday night that President Trump signed an emergency disaster declaration for Texas as Hurricane Harvey made landfall Friday night in Rockport, Texas. “At the request of the Governor of Texas, I have signed the Disaster Proclamation, which unleashes the full force of government help!” President Trump Tweeted Friday night. His signature opens the door for federal resources and manpower to come to the assistance of Texas as officials begin the work of recovering from the storm while devastating rains and winds continue.

At the request of the Governor of Texas, I have signed the Disaster Proclamation, which unleashes the full force of government help! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2017

Follow complete coverage of Hurricane Harvey and Houston Floods on Breitbart Texas.

Lana Shadwick is a writer and legal analyst for Breitbart Texas. She has served as a prosecutor and associate judge in Texas. Follow her on GAB @lanashadwick and on Twitter @LanaShadwick2.

Bob Price serves as associate editor and senior political news contributor for Breitbart Texas. He is a founding member of the Breitbart Texas team. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX, Gab, and Facebook.