Prisoners evacuated over flood risk in Texas after Hurricane Harvey

Texas officials are evacuating thousands of inmates from three prisons in Brazoria County south of Houston as nearby Brazos River rises from Hurricane Harvey's heavy rain.

Prisoners evacuated over flood risk in Texas after Hurricane Harvey

Texas officials are evacuating thousands of inmates from three prisons in Brazoria County south of Houston as nearby Brazos River rises from Hurricane Harvey's heavy rain.

The Department of Criminal Justice says about 4,500 inmates from the Ramsey, Terrell, and Stringfellow Units in Rosharon are being taken by bus to other prisons in east Texas.

Additional food and water has been delivered to the prisons receiving the displaced inmates.

Harvey came ashore in Texas on Friday night as the strongest hurricane to hit the US in more than a decade. It has since weakened to a Category 1 storm.

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Harvey's maximum sustained winds have decreased to about 75 mph (120 kph) and that the storm is now centred about 25 miles west of Victoria, Texas.

The roof of a gas station sits in flood waters in the wake of Hurricane Harvey today.
The roof of a gas station sits in flood waters in the wake of Hurricane Harvey today.

It said in its 10am update that the storm is expected to weaken over the next 48 hours and to become a tropical storm by Saturday afternoon. The storm is moving north at 2 mph (3 kph).

The hurricane centre said although winds are weakening, the storm could cause catastrophic flooding over the coming days.

AP

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Portrait of King Charles III and Queen Camilla King Charles to resume public duties after positive cancer treatment
sunset over Caribbean Sea, Turtle Beach, Tobago British tourist in hospital after shark attack as Tobago closes several beaches
Pope Francis Pope to bring call for ethical AI to G7 summit in June
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited