Houston’s two airports will remain closed at least for most of Monday and possibly beyond, as fears are increasing Hurricane Harvey could inflict more catastrophic damage.
The Houston Airport System said approach roads and runways were under water at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airports with several hundred passengers and employees stranded in the terminals on Sunday.
"We’re doing everything we can to work with our airline carriers to accommodate the passengers and keep them as comfortable as possible until those conditions improve," spokesman Bill Begley said.
Southwest Airlines, a major carrier at Hobby Airport, said all flights were suspended at least through Monday and authorities cautioned all customers not to attempt to go to the airports.
"Safety is paramount; those unable to leave the airport have been advised to continue to shelter in place where they are safe and have access to power, facilities, and food. Southwest leaders are working with the appropriate agencies on a plan to help employees and customers who are in the airport or other Houston Hobby facilities when it is safe to do so," the airline said.
United Airlines spokesman Charlie Hobart said all flights are grounded until at least midday Monday and all passengers should wait for further updates before setting off for the airport.
Several deaths have been reported since late Saturday and many areas have been deluged with more than two feet of rain.
And it could get much worse today as slow moving Harvey may strengthen once again.
Total rainfall in some coastal areas could exceed 50 inches, equal to average rainfall for an entire year.
"What we’re seeing is the most devastating flood event in Houston’s recorded history," Steve Bowen, chief meteorologist at reinsurance firm Aon Benfield told Reuters.
The National Weather Service had issued flood watches and warnings over a wide area from San Antonio to New Orleans covering a population of about 13 million.
Damage is already into the billions and could get much worse in the coming days.
Harvey has knocked out Texan oil refineries and some crude oil production with about a third of all refining capacity halted.
Spot prices for US gasoline futures spiked 7% in early Asia trading even before the full picture is known.
"There may be meaningful and long-term damage to Texas’ refining capacity," said Jeffrey Halley, analyst at futures brokerage OANDA.
That spells bad news for motorists at the pump, especially with the Labor Day holiday just days away.
