HOUSTON – Students affected by the widespread flooding in the Houston area will not have to make up two days of school that were missed this week.
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The Texas Education Agency granted an exemption waiver for schools in the area for two missed instructional days.
“Gov. Abbott moved swiftly to declare a state of disaster and bring needed assistance to these counties,” Commissioner of Education Mike Morath said. “I commend school system leaders for their swift response to ensure the safety of students, teachers and campus staff.”
The TEA said it will work with the individual districts on additional options.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster in Harris County, as well as Austin, Bastrop, Fort Bend, Colorado, Grimes, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton counties.
[LIST OF HIGH WATER LOCATIONS]
The Addicks Reservoir and Barker Reservoir reached record elevations on Monday and Wednesday, respectively, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The water levels are expected to rise to record levels, the highest in the projects' 70-year history.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE WATER LEVELS IN YOUR AREA
Officials said the flooding is the worst in the area since Hurricane Allison.
Officials confirmed Wednesday that 744 homes and 400 apartments were affected by the flood. Those numbers are expected to rise.
The Houston Fire Department said it completed 723 water rescues during Monday's flood event, deploying 13 boats and 19 high-water vehicles.
Between 14-17 inches of rain was reported in the Katy, Bear Creek and Cypress areas. Tomball, Klein, Spring and Jersey Village communities received an average 13 inches of rainfall; Greenspoint, Aldine, and other neighborhoods along White Oak, Greens and Halls bayous received an average 6-8 inches of rain.
Central and southwest Houston, including the Meyerland area, received up to 7 inches of rain in a short period of time.
The Red Cross has opened several shelters across the Houston area. Volunteers are also needed -- call 713-131-5491 or visit redcross.org/volunteer.
Click here for a list of Red Cross shelter locations.
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