Hurricane Harvey triggers massive flight and train cancellations in southern Texas

'High winds, heavy rain and severe flooding is expected and sporadic tornadoes are possible'

Simon Calder
Travel Correspondent
Saturday 26 August 2017 08:19 BST
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Danger zone: the latest map of the hurricane's effect on Texas
Danger zone: the latest map of the hurricane's effect on Texas

As the US National Weather service predicts Hurricane Harvey will bring “catastrophic and life-threatening flooding” to parts of Texas, the transport networks to, from and within the state are shutting down.

The Category 4 hurricane is predicted to bring “extreme widespread flooding through at least the beginning of next week”. The National Weather Service warns the rain “will likely lead to a potentially catastrophic and prolonged flash flooding event over the coming 3 to 5 days.”

Wind speeds of 130mph are being reported, and airlines have been grounded throughout southern Texas.

Houston’s main airport, George Bush International, reports 52 cancellations and 151 delays for flights on Friday night, while the Hobby airport has 56 cancellations and 76 delays.

Flights from Europe to Houston and Austin, the state capital, have been cancelled. British Airways has grounded its two flights to Houston and the single departure to Houston on Saturday. It is telling passengers: “We’re very sorry, this flight has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.”

The Foreign Office is warning British travellers of possible problems extending east from Texas to Louisiana until Wednesday.

“High winds, heavy rain and severe flooding is expected and sporadic tornadoes are possible,” says the latest advice.

“Follow the advice of local authorities, including any mandatory evacuations; we are aware of the cancellation of flights from major airports in the affected areas; check with your airline before travelling into potentially dangerous areas.”

Amtrak, the US long-distance rail operator, has stopped the Sunset Limited train from Los Angeles at El Paso in far west Texas.

It is telling passengers: “No alternate transportation is available and the Amtrak station in Houston is closed this weekend.”

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