Up to 2,000 people have been rescued from floods in and around Houston, as Tropical Storm Harvey continues to batter Texas with heavy rains.

There are reports of possible deaths in submerged vehicles, but investigations continue, Chief Darryl Coleman of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said.Texas Governor Greg Abbott told the media he could not confirm storm-related deaths.

The National Weather Service (NWS) says conditions are “unprecedented”.It said there was a “flash flood emergency” across the Houston Metro area, with travel near impossible.

Many shelters have been opened, including in a convention centre.

Governor Abbott said about 250 roads and motorways had been closed in Texas and that he had made a federal disaster declaration for 19 counties that was granted by President Donald Trump.

“We are dealing with a triangle of ongoing rain, including Houston, Victoria and Corpus Christi cities,” Mr Abbott said.

“We will continue receiving incredibly heavy rain.”

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