It is almost impossible to describe the devastation Texas is suffering from Hurricane Harvey. Now Tropical Storm Harvey has drifted back over the open water of the Gulf of Mexico and is re-intensifying.
Radar and surface data show that the center of Harvey remains near or just off the Texas coast 
south of Matagorda. The associated rain bands have increased in intensity and coverage in a cluster extending from just north of the center northeastward into the Houston metropolitan area.
There are recent reports of sustained tropical-storm-force winds about 50-60 nautical miles southwest of the center. According to the National Hurricane Center, very heavy rains and life-threatening flash flooding will continue over southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana. There have been reports of 2-day rainfall totals of close to 35 inches in the Greater Houston area. With the additional rains that are expected over the next several days, rainfall totals could reach 50 inches in some locations, which would be historic for the area. 
The breadth and intensity of this rainfall are beyond anything experienced before,” the National Weather Service said. “Catastrophic flooding is now underway and expected to continue for days.”
The flood threat is spreading farther east into Louisiana. Additional rainfall amounts of 15 to 25 inches are expected in southwestern Louisiana. The death toll is starting to rise. Floodwaters from Harvey swept away a van carrying six people in Houston with the occupants feared to be dead. Authorities are expecting this number to rise in the coming days as rescue efforts continue. Meanwhile, another fatality has occurred in Houston after a tree dislodged by heavy rains toppled onto a home. This brings the death toll from Harvey up to nine. The effects of this 800 year storm is being felt over much of the U.S. Flights are being 
cancelled and some rerouted due to flooded airports.
Gas Prices are rising as well. An ExxonMobil oil refinery near Houston sustained damage from Harvey, forcing it to be shut down. Many offshore platforms are shut down as well putting a strain on gas supplies in other states, including Kentucky. Thousands of Americans from all over the country are now making preparations to help Texas in the recovery efforts. Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator William “Brock” Long, said at a news conference in Washington Monday that “we need citizens to be involved,” because the storm and resulting flooding is greater than the government can handle.
Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief teams, eager to get to Texas to help hurricane victims, 
have been put on standby until flood waters recede enough for them to help with cleanup. Lyon County Judge Executive Wade White, is teaming up with several others for a journey to Texas in the wake of Harvey. Wade and his team will be collecting supplies such as backpacks, tents, and even first aid kits to take to Texas. They start with empty trunks, then they rely on donations from the public so they can get people in need what they need, when they need it. The supply list of things needed is:
Backpacks, Hygiene Items, Granola Bars, Over the Counter Medicines, Small First Aid Kits, New Tarps, New Small Tents, New Sleeping Bags, New Pillows, and New Box Fans.
Donations from the public will be collected until September 1st. Drop Off Locations are: WKDZ/WHVO Radio Studios, 19 DJ Everett Dr. Cadiz, KY. 8:30am-4pm. Also the Old Courthouse at Lyon County Judge Executive’s Office (500 West Dale Avenue, Eddyville, KY) 8:30am-4pm, and Lendmark (611 Marion Road, Princeton)- 8:30am-5:30pm
The remnants of Harvey will begin affecting western Kentucky as early as Wednesday evening. Heavy and prolonged rainfall may occur with 5 to 6 inches of rain possible in some areas. Feel free to leave comments and be sure to hit the “Like” button at the bottom of this post.