Houston area submerged after 16 inches of rain in 24 hours

HOUSTON (AP) — More than a foot of rain had fallen by this evening in parts of the city, submerging scores of subdivisions and several major interstate highways, forcing the closure of schools and knocking out power to thousands of residents who were urged to shelter in place.

Four fatalities appeared to be weather related, authorities said.

Sylvester Turner, mayor of the nation's fourth-largest city, told residents to stay home to fend off a weather system he called "stubborn." More rain was projected over the next two to three days, although heavy downpours had subsided and only another half-inch was expected through tonight, he said.

Rain gauges in parts of Harris County, which includes most of Houston, showed water levels approaching 20 inches since late Sunday night, with slightly smaller amounts elsewhere in Southeast Texas as bayous and creeks overflowed their banks.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, the county's chief administrator, said two bodies were found in a vehicle shown on traffic cameras driving around barricades and unsuccessfully attempt to navigate a flooded underpass.