The ‘catastrophic’ flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas is expected to worsen in coming days, creating further mayhem at airports and ports. Air Transport World reports that more than 5 000 flights have been cancelled since noon on Sunday, August 27, as a result of the storm.
Flights are expected to resume on Thursday, August 31, at the earliest. High water levels in the area have cut off road access to both Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). Tracy Porter, marketing and communication for Wings Travel Management, said the company was treating the situation as a critical level event.
CNN reports that a record 75mm of rain has fallen on Houston in the wake of the hurricane, which has been downgraded to tropical storm status. The National Weather Service said the worst floods were expected on Wednesday and Thursday. More rain is expected this week, and officials have started releasing water from two dams, controlling the flow along a major river into the heart of Houston. The dams have been opened to prevent water spilling into neighbouring communities, but could cause further damage in Houston.
Meetings and Conventions says, with the Port of Galveston closed, cruise ships are being diverted. Both Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean have rerouted ships that are at sea and have cancelled the next sailing of vessels. It is expected that the port will remain closed until later this week.
NOTE: The Port of Houston issued a short statement to say that all port activities would remain closed today (Wednesday). The port is posting regular updates on its social media accounts.
