Dramatic before-and-after photos show ‘surreal’ flooding in Texas
Harrowing images have emerged out of Texas showing just how high the floodwaters have gotten since Hurricane Harvey made landfall.
The before-and-after shots were captured in Houston and other parts of the state that were devastated by the storm and ensuing rains this weekend.
They were posted on social media by residents and local reporters, some of whom merged them to make videos and GIFs.
One clip that has gone viral showed the extent of the flooding near the Buffalo Bayou, which cuts through Houston.
This image and the forecast of what is still to fall…. This is surreal. #HoustonFlood #Harvey pic.twitter.com/zK9WojsMAH
— Matthew Sitkowski (@MattSitkowski) August 27, 2017
“Just an unreal amount of water,” tweeted Climate Central senior science writer Brian Kahn.
Other before-and-after images showed overpasses, parks and highways completely submerged.
“This is surreal,” tweeted Weather Channel producer Matthew Sitkowski.
Hurricane Harvey, which has since been downgraded to a tropical storm, stalled over inland Texas after making landfall late Friday — causing heavy rains and “catastrophic” flooding, which has yet to recede.
Allen Parkway, Memorial, Waugh overpass, Spotts park and Buffalo Bayou park completely under water. #houston #harvey pic.twitter.com/odRepbLT71
— Rabbi Cohanski (@aaroncohan) August 27, 2017
At least five people have been reported dead and authorities have said they expect that number to rise.
Things have gotten so bad in Houston that the US Army Corps of Engineers has announced plans to begin releasing water into Buffalo Bayou from two flood control dams — in an attempt to prevent uncontrollable flooding downtown and near the Houston Ship Channel.
City authorities said Sunday night they had rescued more than 1,000 people who had been trapped on their roofs or in their homes.
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
With Post wires