Hurricane Harvey kills three, brings catastrophic flooding

At least three persons were killed on Saturday as Harvey, the most powerful storm hit Texas in more than 50 years, roared inland, knocking out power to more than 230,000 people and threatening catastrophic flooding. These deaths occurred amid dire warnings to the region's residents.

Meanwhile, rescue efforts are being hampered by strong winds and thousands are without power. A single death has so far been confirmed in the town of Rockport.

The storm, a Category 4 hurricane which was later downgraded to Category 1, had maximum sustained winds of 195 kmph. Resulting floodwaters were expected to reach 6 to 12 feet above ground level along the coast.

Harvey has impacted the Electric Reliability Council of Texas electric system, with 250,000 customers without power. It is the most powerful hurricane to hit the US mainland since 2005.

Millions of residents along the south Texas coast saw hurricane-force winds that uprooted trees and power poles. They had frantically stocked up on food, water and gas, while others heading out of the storm's path boarded up windows and doors of their homes and businesses.

Airlines cancelled flights, schools were shuttered while concerts and other events in Houston and other coastal cities were postponed.

OneIndia News