Texas Inundated as Storms Dump More than a Foot of Rain

A slow moving weather system has dumped up to 20 inches of rainfall west and northwest of Houston causing flooding and travel cancellations, the Insurance Council of Texas reports.

Heavy rain primarily east of Austin has sent the Colorado River rising an additional 25 feet causing what the National Weather Service has labeled as moderate flooding.

Numerous flight cancellations and road closings have frustrated travelers in Austin and Houston.

Paul Yura, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in New Braunfels, says there will be a break in the weather today, but that rain chances resume this evening through Thursday.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmet has signed a disaster declaration for the county due to flooding from the storm system, which has been compared to Tropical Storm Alison.

Allison caused $3.5 billion in insured losses, when it dumped more than two feet of rain on the city of Houston on June 8, 2001, the Associated Press reported.

More than 70 subdivisions in the Houston metro area have been flooded, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The Insurance Council of Texas advises both homeowners and vehicle owners to heed weather warnings and watch for rising flood waters to protect their lives and property.