HURRICANE HARVEY

The bayou’s system helps capture and drain water to prevent flooding for residents and business that hug the waterway. However, when historic storms like Hurricane Harvey occurred, the system was overwhelmed, damaging homes and business near the Fuqua Garden View neighborhood.

A homeowner called KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis after dealing with a water bill issue for years. A meter issue left her with a huge bill that stood in the way of getting the federal Hurricane Harvey relief money she needed.

A former KPRC 2 reporter recalled the moments he covered Hurricane Harvey, including one moment with a Houstonian that went viral.

Texas meteorologists remind residents to make sure they have a plan in the event of a tropical storm

As it prepares a statewide flood prevention plan, the state found that almost 6 million Texans live in an area susceptible to floodwaters.

One to four of those storms could be Category 3 or higher, meaning they will have wind speeds of at least 111 miles per hour.

The Barker and Addicks dams were designed by the Army Corps of Engineers to protect properties downstream, but during Hurricane Harvey, property owners upstream said the dams caused them to take a hit. A federal judge agreed and said they’re entitled to compensation.

The land commissioner manages the Texas General Land Office, which manages the Alamo, administers natural disaster relief funding and helps fund public education. The seat is open after incumbent George P. Bush lost his primary bid for attorney general.

They overcame Hurricane Harvey, now they have questions! Meteorologists Anthony Yanez and Justin Stapleton answer severe weather questions from 5th graders at Creech Elementary.

Tens of thousands of coastal Texas residents have survived repeated extreme weather events including Hurricane Harvey. For many, it has taken an emotional toll, and researchers warn that climate change could be “catastrophic” for our mental health.

‘Red, White & Bayou Texas Music Festival & Tailgate’ returns to Dickinson. It’s on Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3 and 4, after a five-year break following Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on Houston Life, we’ll have a live performance in studio.

A deadline has passed with no resolution over whether Texas will settle a dispute over claims it discriminated against minority residents in how it distributed flood relief money from Hurricane Harvey.

It’s been five years since Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast, however, the impact of the storm is still being felt in areas like Friendswood.

A look back at the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in Aug. 2017 and how the Houston area has worked to recover since.

This weeks marks five years since Hurricane Harvey devastated the Gulf Coast.

Government leaders spent hundreds of millions of public funds to rebuild in the five years since Hurricane Harvey. The spending is not done yet because of a new $1.2 billion bond in voters hands come November 8th. KPRC 2 Investigates looks at what went right and wrong with the assistance programs.

Next Monday will mark five years since a Houston Police Sergeant died in the line of duty while trying to get to work during Hurricane Harvey.

Some people living in historically Black, gentrifying neighborhoods like Independence Heights face special challenges when it comes to maintaining their homes, especially after a natural disaster.

When Hurricane Harvey flooded the Wortham Theatre Center, the Houston Grand Opera saw some things change forever. Including, a permanent move for their Costume and Wig Shop into a building that used to be a bank.

A daring rescue, a loving shelter and a plane flight, gave two dogs their fur-ever home

Bob Rehak isn’t a flood mitigation expert by trade, but after witnessing the devastation caused in Kingwood during Hurricane Harvey, he’s dedicated the last five years to investigating the causes of flooding and trying to stop another disaster.

Harvey delivered more than $800 million in damage to Aransas County, but five years later, many communities have become the picture of resilience.

This week marks five years since Hurricane Harvey caused devastating flooding in the Houston area.

Five years ago. It really does feel like yesterday. Like yesterday when the meteorologists started talking about more than 40 inches of rain headed toward our area.

A Katy organization and numerous volunteers came together to renovate a home for two brothers who lost their parents.

The Texas Department of Transportation is hoping to elevate portions of I-10′s main lanes between Heights Boulevard and I-45, which officials say was impassable during Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Imelda.

The U.S. Senate voted to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin planning for a massive coastal barrier project in Galveston Bay meant to protect against hurricanes’ storm surge. Funding is not yet secured.

A local businesswoman and activist is taking action against R&B artist Chris Brown after she say he canceled his performance for a benefit concert on March 19 in Houston, according to a release.

James Brown has had a rough go for nearly five years now and he doesn’t hold any punches when describing what it’s been like.

Despite an admonition from federal authorities, Land Commissioner George P. Bush’s plan still steers aid disproportionately to whiter, inland counties at less risk of natural disasters.

The homeowner says not much has changed since Hurricane Harvey, no repairs have been made to his home and there's no electricity or heat.

At least 70% of the units are reserved for low‐to‐moderate‐income households earning between 30 to 60% of the Area Median Income.

Help is on the way for Mr. and Mrs. Parker in Fulshear, but more help is needed.

Land Commissioner George P. Bush is in the middle of a fierce runoff in the Republican primary for Texas attorney general against incumbent Ken Paxton. During the race, several of Bush’s opponents have criticized his office’s work in distributing Hurricane Harvey relief funds.

Families from northeast Houston are set to protest in front of Houston City Hall Tuesday, raising concerns regarding the drainage systems in their areas.

It’s been five years since Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston area, causing property damage and even the loss of human life.

A Houston man is spreading joy with his pet rescued from the floodwaters of hurricane Harvey.

A Houston-area non-profit organization that started in the middle of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 said it donated approximately $17,000 in funeral expenses for victims of Friday night’s tragedy at Astroworld Festival.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, just before Hurricane Harvey arrived, disconnected dozens of air quality monitors in the Houston area.

Question: What’s going on with the unsafe construction in northeast Houston?

In the Allen Field neighborhood in Northeast Harris County, home after home along Darjean Street are now part of the mandatory flood buyout program.

Tropical Storm Nicholas has weakened to a tropical depression as it slowed to a crawl over southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana as its heavy rains continued to drench the area, maintaining a flood threat.

Tropical Storm Nicholas has weakened to a tropical depression as it slowed to a crawl over southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana as its heavy rains continued to drench the area, maintaining a flood threat.

Jeff Lindner, the Harris County meteorologist who became famous for his enduring presence through trouble during Hurricane Harvey, spoke with KPRC 2 meteorologist Justin Stapleton about Tropical Storm Ida.

Just four years ago, Hurricane Harvey left Houston underwater.

On the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, the Harris County Flood Control District announced that all projects that are part of a multi-billion-dollar post Harvey bond program have begun.

Five years ago, people up and down the Texas coast were bracing for what would become one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the United States.

In a weather preparation event, Jeff Lindner, the Harris County meteorologist who became famous for his enduring presence through trouble during Hurricane Harvey, spoke with our KPRC 2 meteorologists Frank Billingsley and Justin Stapleton about what’s brewing in the tropics. They also discussed how to keep informed whenever flooding rain is in the forecast in the future.

Two years later and in some ways, Texas is still reeling from the historic and catastrophic Hurricane Harvey.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will speak at an inquiry about the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) “initial denial and inequitable allocation of congressional appropriated mitigation dollars from Hurricane Harvey to the City of Houston.”

Houston area representatives gathered Thursday to call upon the Texas General Land Office to ensure the worst-hit areas by Hurricane Harvey in the city and Harris County will receive the funds allocated by Congress.

Bush's announcement comes after an outcry from Houston and Harris County leaders who requested $1.3 billion in federal funds for Harvey relief but were left off a list of recipients the General Land Office released.

Earmarks were banished from Congress over a decade ago, but the funding for lawmakers' pet projects is marking a sudden return.

Roughly four years after Hurricane Harvey, some area leaders are upset with the plans to distribute federal flood mitigation funds.

Houston and Harris County were denied funding over other Texas communities despite requesting $1.3 billion for ongoing relief efforts. Local officials are asking the federal government to intervene.

A Fiesta Mart located in east Houston, which has been closed for more than three years, is set to reopen.

Houston Newsmakers: Ballot Integrity or suppression?

On Easter Sunday, The Centrum welcomed its first doors to the congregation of Cypress Creek Christian Church.

Texas officials on Thursday, March, 25, 2021 raised the death toll from February's winter storm and blackouts to at least 111 people nearly doubling the state's initial tally following one of the worst power outages in U.S. history. (AP Photo/LM Otero File)AUSTIN, Texas – Texas officials on Thursday raised the death toll from February's winter storm and blackouts to at least 111 people — nearly doubling the state's initial tally following one of the worst power outages in U.S. history. The majority of the Texas deaths are associated with hypothermia, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The toll now officially exceeds that of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which was blamed for 68 deaths in Texas. Among them was Gilbert Rivera, 60, who told relatives after the power went out in his garage apartment that he was cold but staying bundled up.

The majority of the Texas deaths are associated with hypothermia, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The toll now officially exceeds that of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which was blamed for 68 deaths in Texas. Among them was Gilbert Rivera, 60, who told relatives after the power went out in his garage apartment that he was cold but staying bundled up. AdRivera’s family is among dozens who have filed lawsuits against electricity providers and the state’s embattled power grid, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Next week, the Texas House is expected to vote on a package in response to the storm, including efforts to winterize power plants.

“I have to admit, I never dreamed I would be living this way, living in fear for my life”, Charles Allen said. “If we don’t get some kind of help, this roof is going to fall in,” said Staci Allen, Charles Allen’s wife. “It’s going to injure or kill us.”Too proud to ask for help himself, finally a relative of Charles Allen contacted Bill Spencer and the Spencer Solves It team. The hard-working crew began ripping the old roof off and putting a brand new roof on the Allens’ home. “You saved us from that.”As for Charles Allen, he said he is deeply moved.

He and wife Reagan are providing water bottles for those in need, after millions of Houstonians lacked clean water. This came as millions of Houstonians’ food spoiled during the power outages, and many grocery store shelves were empty. This is our fundraising campaign to benefit families without power, water, food and shelter in underserved Houston areas. We will be collaborating with @nacchelp, @astrosfoundation, @kidsmealshouston to provide food to families in need. ROBERT GRIFFIN IIIThe former Baylor quarterback and 2011 Heisman trophy winner donated 10,500 meals to the Houston food bank.

NEW CANEY – A family in New Caney is whole again after losing their dog days before Hurricane Harvey slammed into Houston. The family in New Caney almost gave up until a rescue group found her in Sugar land. A volunteer from another organization named, ‘Lost Dogs of Texas’ stepped in and used a special database to find Maddie’s owner. AdThe volunteer from Lost Dogs of Texas was able to contact Rachel’s mother and Maddie was finally reunited with her family. Lost dogs of Texas said thousands of dogs are lost every year.

HOUSTON – J.J. Watt has done a number of incredible things for Houston and its residents as his current season with the Houston Texans comes to an end. Here are 11 of the most memorable moments from JJ Watt. Hurricane Harvey relief effortsWatt and his team raised over $40.1 million dollars for victims of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. You can read more on Watt’s Harvey recovery efforts here. Mimi, the 99-year-old JJ Watt superfanAsalee Poole, also known as “Mimi” made a wish on her 99th birthday that she wanted to meet JJ Watt someday, as she was a huge fan of him.

HOUSTON – More than three years have passed since Hurricane Harvey, but some people are still recovering from the storm’s devastating impact. The Fort Bend County Habitat for Humanity has opened its Harvey Repair Program. The program was made to help repair homes damaged by the storm by using funds from FEMA and insurance. The Harvey Repair Program is now open. The Fort Bend County Habitat for Humanity asks residents in need to fill out its Disaster Home Repair application and return it with the required supporting documentation to mike@fortbendhabitat.org.

“This whole thing is devastating, to have to live this way for so long,” Charles Allen said. “The whole roof could collapse and possibly kill one of us, or hurt the kids, or kill the kids,” Staci Allen said. “We just really need some help,” Charles Allen said. The Spencer Solves It team enlisted the help of the crew at The Roof Repair Squad, a company based in Katy. “Bill, whenever you approach us, we are always ready to help,” Roof Repair Squad president Jorge Bogran, told KPRC 2 reporter Bill Spencer.

Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas TribuneHOUSTON – Texas officials on Tuesday said the state’s environmental agency has added greater capacity to quickly monitor pollution across the state during storms and other disaster events, such as chemical fires. Toby Baker, the executive director of the TCEQ, said the agency’s effort to add mobile air monitoring capacity was in motion before the EPA OIG report, but acknowledged that Hurricane Harvey was a turning point for environmental regulators. “We learned some lessons with Hurricane Harvey,” Baker said. Tuesday’s announcement was held in Houston’s Manchester neighborhood at Hartman Park, next to Valero’s Houston Refinery, where a storage tank notoriously collapsed during Hurricane Harvey — one of the unmonitored pollution events during the storm. The extent of the emissions released by chemical plants, refineries and other industrial operators along the Gulf Coast during and after Hurricane Harvey is unknown due to the lag in air monitoring, according to the EPA report.

But have no fear, one local dog named Bubbles and her human, Kylin Horton, are on a mission to raise awareness about both animal and domestic abuse. During that time, they had their first encounter with Bubbles who was saved from a horrible case of animal cruelty. When Kilyn Horton first met Bubbles, the dog was in bad shape, requiring four surgeries to repair damage from being abused and shot in the head. After adopting Bubbles, Horton started documenting Bubbles' progress on Instagram, as she had already captured the hearts of many people who wanted to see how she was faring. 100% of Bubbles toy proceeds go to supporting nonprofit organizations, including Houston Pets Alive and a domestic violence shelter.

DICKINSON, Texas – A Texas Ranger arrived at Dickinson City Hall on Monday with a subpoena for records. City Administrator Chris Heard met with him briefly but said he can’t talk about what they discussed. Friction between Heard and Hunter led to Hunter recently being place on paid leave after only two months on the job. “She brought up some concerns and we will just work through any issues that have arisen,” Heard said. A spokesman for the District Attorney’s office said he can neither confirm nor deny an investigation is underway.

The state took over the program this week and Torres and other residents who have applied for assistance say they’re worried that could lead to yet more delays. A third of the funding — nearly $428 million — went to a program for home repair and reconstruction. Harvey dumped up to 50 inches (1.3 meters) of rain on the Houston area following landfall on Aug. 25, 2017. In the Houston area, Harvey flooded more than 150,000 homes, with more than 16,000 residents identified as potentially needing repair help. In its own program, the land office has fixed more than 2,000 homes and has approved nearly 2,900 reimbursements statewide.

Acting Assistant Secretary John Gibbs writes, “The amendment also eliminates direct allocation funding to the city of Houston. The state said the city has only been able to address 163 homes since January of 2019. The General Land Office said the funds for Houstonians are not going anywhere, simply they are going to manage it moving forward. The state sent Mayor Turner a termination letter Monday evening informing them the contract shall terminate on Nov. 6, 2020. In the final sentence, the Deputy Land Commissioner for the GLO writes, “It is our hope that the City of Houston will engage with the GLO in future discussion concerning these matters.”

HOUSTON – A judge issued a directed verdict Thursday against the final defendant in the criminal case brought against Arkema related to the fire at the company’s Crosby plant during Hurricane Harvey. KPRC 2 legal analyst Brian Wice said the directed verdict was issued because there was insufficient evidence to bring the case to a jury. Comardelle was the only remaining defendant in the case after the charges against Arkema CEO Richard Rowe and Michael Keough, the company’s logistics officer, were dropped. Hardin said Arkema was the only company being investigated but never addressed the other companies on the Houston Ship Channel. Hardin said it was unprecedented for prosecutors to make it a crime and targeted Arkema for not anticipating Hurricane Harvey’s impact.

HOUSTON – The CEO of Arkema was dropped as a defendant Wednesday in the criminal case against the company in connection with the chemical release that happened during Hurricane Harvey. Prosecutors confirmed Richard Rowe was dropped from the case that accuses the company of and some employees of recklessly releasing chemicals into the air during a fire. The blaze happened after floodwaters inundated the Crosby plant and knocked out power to the cooling system used to keep certain chemicals stable. The news comes after prosecutors said they were seeking to drop charges that were filed against Michael Keough, the company’s logistics officer. Arkema has said that the fire was caused by an act of God and that plant officials did everything they reasonably could to prevent it.

This dry air is being drawn into Beta’s circulation, causing the storm to be very off-balance, or lopsided. The orange coloring to the left (west) shows dry air. Dry air is stable. Dry air intrusion will keep Beta from strengthening. Wind shear will continue to be somewhat of a problem for Beta as it works its way toward the Texas coast.

HOUSTON – Harris County prosecutors are seeking to drop some charges filed in connection with the fire and chemical release at the Arkema plant near Crosby during Hurricane Harvey. Both Arkema and Michael Keough, the company’s logistics official, were charged with assault of a public servant after prosecutors said two deputies suffered injuries because of the chemicals that were released. According to court documents, prosecutors believe they cannot prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt and have asked the court to drop those charges. Arkema has said that the fire was caused by an act of God and that plant officials did everything they reasonably could to prevent it. Attorneys representing the company have also accused Harris County prosecutors of withholding evidence.

HOUSTON – Houston’s Office of Sustainability is hosting a virtual Houston Climate Week, according to a release. The event will commemorate of the third anniversary of Hurricane Harvey and officially kickoff the implementation phase of the recently-released Houston Climate Action Plan. The Houston Climate Action Plan is a science-based, community-driven strategy for Houston to reduce greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions, meet the Paris Agreement goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, and lead a global energy transition, according to a release. “After COVID-19 cancelled our plans for an in-person Climate Action Plan launch in April, the idea of a virtual Houston Climate Week was born,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. Monday, August 2411 a.m. - Opening Session: Making Houston the Renewable Energy Capital of the World1 p.m. - Houston Climate Impact Assessment: What Does the Future Hold for Houston?

– Recovery Houston volunteers made their way to Lake Charles, Louisiana to help those who were hardest hit by Hurricane Laura. That event became the first chapter of the Recovery Houston organization, founded by Creech. Creech KPRC 2’s coverage of Recovery Houston was recognized by President Barack Obama as one of his most memorable humanitarian stories of 2017. When Hurricane Laura hit, Creech knew Recovery Houston had to get involved. “I woke up this morning feeling really good that I was able to help somebody,” Bradley Dennison, a Recovery Houston volunteer said.

But regardless where you’re located or what types of weather your region regularly experiences, it’s always best to remain vigilant. When it comes to hurricanes and big storms, there’s always so much talk about how to prepare the insides of our homes. Therefore, it’s always better to err on the side of caution, he added. “There’s nothing wrong with being too careful.”So, the next time a big storm’s coming to town, walk around the exterior of your house, your property or your yard. You could even turn this into a project, moving just a few belongings a day, leading up to the storm.

HOUSTON Rookie Cristian Javier threw well into the sixth inning, protecting a big lead and sending the Houston Astros over the Los Angeles Angels 6-3 Tuesday in the opener of a doubleheader created by the approach of Hurricane Laura. The Astros played a doubleheader against the Mets on Sept. 2, 2017, following Hurricane Harvey, which caused severe flooding in the Houston area. Javier (3-1) retired 13 of the first 15 batters before Jason Castro got an RBI single with one out in the fifth for the Angels first hit. Josh Reddick added an RBI single before Mayfields single. The Angels will be the home team for the first game of the twinbill, and the Astros will be the home team for the second game.

PORT ARTHUR, Texas Port Arthur's mayor on Monday issued a mandatory evacuation order for the Southeast Texas city before Tropical Storm Laura which forecasters say could strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane makes landfall. Laura was expected to make landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Port Arthur is about 30 miles (about 50 kilometers) from the Louisiana border. Forecasters have said Laura could change course and make landfall near Houston. We are ready to deal with this situation as well," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Monday.

HOUSTON – The Texas Workforce Commission is continuing to see an unprecedented number of unemployment claims. Edward Serna, the TWC executive director, said the number of claims in March surpassed Hurricane Harvey's 60,000 unemployment applications, which at the time was the highest number of unemployment claims the state had seen. This is incredible in the history of the state," Serna said. Serna said the commission has turned to the federal government for help with its unemployment fund. Workforce Solutions offices across the state are holding virtual job fairs and working on matching employers with job seekers.

HOUSTON – The Texas General Land Office is planning to eliminate the city of Houston's control of funding for Hurricane Harvey housing relief. In a letter sent to Mayor Sylvester Turner Wednesday, the GLO stated it was overhauling "all responsibility for administering disaster assistance to city residents." The GLO argues the city has done little with the recovering funds. The state has four years to allocate the funds to Houston residents, so there still is time. Turner said the city is taking all necessary legal steps to preserve the city’s right to administer the funds.

HOUSTON – Beloved Texas grocery store chain, H-E-B is set to open its doors in Meyerland next week after the community was without an H-E-B store since 2017 following flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. The highly-anticipated two-story store in the Meyerland Plaza will open on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 4700 Beechnut Street. In October 2017, H-E-B closed the location at North Braeswood Boulevard and Chimney Rock Road after it incurred severe flood damage. The grocery store chain decided not to reopen that location. “We have always planned to continue our legacy in Meyerland and we can’t wait to open our doors next week to this very patient, resilient community.”

Humble Independent School District will receive the $25,401,611.75 grant to rebuild the structure that was originally built in 1978. Kingwood High School was closed for seven months following the hurricane with Kingwood’s 2,782 students commuting 30 minutes away to Summer Creek during that time. Kingwood High School was reopened in March 2018. Damage at Kingwood High SchoolThe building remained flooded for 11 days during and after Harvey, FEMA officials wrote in the grant summary. Floodwaters were 5.5 feet deep in the front of the building and 1.5 feet deep in the back.

She survived Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey and breast cancer. At 59 years old, Annette Ryskala is what you’d call a survivor. For a time, after losing her job, Annette lived on the street, completely homeless. The team connected Annette with Randy Hartley, one of Bill’s Brigades most generous benefactors who helped the team on over 20 different projects. Hartley offered to pay her rent for a few months and pay for $2,000 towards her mountain of medical bills.

During the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, we revisited some of the most iconic images from the storm to compare what the city looked like in the days of the disaster to what it looked like a year later.

HOUSTON – As Houston heads into a new phase of recovery, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has announced a new chief recovery officer. Stephen Costello, an engineer and former Houston council member will take over the position from former Shell Oil President Marvin Odum, who led the recovery efforts for more than a year. In the next phase of recovery, the mayor's office said about $1.17 billion in disaster relief is expected to arrive in the upcoming weeks. Under the direction of Odum, a recovery team was formed and will work under the direction of Costello when he assumes the new role. Odum’s team coordinated the establishment of neighborhood restoration centers that brought one-stop disaster relief programs to flooding victims.

Ariel Segoviano shares his story of hope after Hurricane Harvey and how Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale and Gallery Furniture changed his life forever.

With the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, KPRC2 anchors and reporters take a look back at covering the catastrophic storm and its aftermath.

HOUSTON – A movie that aims to authentically tell the story of Hurricane Harvey and its toll on Houston is scheduled to premiere on Sept. 22. Nkem DenChukwu, the film's producer took Harvey very personally as she was trapped by the storm waters last year, that ravaged her Houston home last year. She wasn't the only one with that idea-director MIchael Sterling also became involved in creating a movie about Harvey. However this small budget movie also brings actual residents into the fold, who will be playing themselves. DenChukwu also said you will see actual Houston police officers and their squad cars and other equipment in "Harvey."

HOUSTON – At 55 years old, Annette Shelby is a disabled former cafeteria worker who literally does not have a leg to stand on. Her prosthetic leg looks like an old ripped-up piece of boat dock. “In the name of Jesus, I ask you, dear Lord, to send me a new leg, to send some help. Now, the specialists are fitting Annette for a brand-new prosthetic leg. When Annette actually receives her brand-new prosthetic leg, we will bring that story to you on Channel 2 News.

HOUSTON – The World Meteorological Organization announced Thursday that the name Harvey has been officially retired for use as a hurricane. The center also retired the names Irma, Maria and Nate. Harvey was the second costliest storm behind Katrina. Sixty-eight people were killed in Harvey.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A Montgomery County animal shelter had to remove about 50 dogs Saturday morning, many who were impacted by Hurricane Harvey, because of overcrowding. The shelter had reached its maximum capacity of 350, but had more than 450 pets in their care. The removed dogs were transported to an animal rescue shelter in Macomb, Michigan, on Saturday morning. The dogs that were chosen to be removed were larger breeds, which officials say are harder to adopt out. Volunteers and Montgomery County Animal Shelter staff both loaded the pets safely to the emergency bus bound to Michigan, where they will be able to find a loving home.

LEAGUE CITY, Texas – Six months after Harvey, newlyweds Joey and Sonia Kukuch, of League City, along with daughter, Bella are still working on repairing their flood damaged home. Just down the street, the push is on at Darin and Donna Jordan's home. “We've got a mattress,” said Donna Bergstrom Jordon of League City. “We need all new ceiling fans,” said Darin Jordan, of League City. With the help of family, friends and colleagues, the Jordans -- like so many other families -- are not giving up.

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner started a news conference on Friday to address the safety of the city’s drinking water by saying that the water is safe. “It was safe through the flood and it will continue to be safe,” Turner said. VIDEO: Mayor Turner reveals results of drinking water system tests after HarveyTurner said no bacteria was found in the water that was tested, but when the chlorine disinfectant levels are too low at 5 percent or more of test sites, the city is required to notify the public. City drinking water remains safe while tests show chlorine disinfectant levels are good at more than 90% of testing sites. — Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) January 5, 2018The city is investigating why the chlorine levels decreased at the test sites.

KINGWOOD, Texas – Following Channel 2 Investigates report on Tuesday regarding insurance money being withheld by his bank, our website and Facebook page started buzzing with similar stories. Shari Harris took our cameras inside of her home in the Westchase District Wednesday afternoon. Harris says for the past month she has been battling with her mortgage company to get approximately $45,000 released. Coincidentally, less than one hour after doing an interview with Channel 2, she found out that her mortgage company made her aware that they were overnighting a check for half what she is owed. Aschermann says the Texas Department of Mortgage Lending is where consumers can submit complaints.

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has launched a web page that aims to explain the city's requests for federal funding for Houston's recovery from the Hurricane Harvey floods and projects geared toward alleviating flooding in Houston in the future. "Houston has come to the aid of other Gulf Coast communities in their time of need and represents an essential hub for American energy, medical treatment, shipping, aerospace, and trade," the mayor writes on the web page. "Working with our congressional delegation, we need the federal government to come to our aid to help build a more resilient city that has learned the lessons of Harvey. The mayor’s office said in a release that the page goes into details about the city's need for federal Community Development Block Grants, Community Disaster Loans, flood mitigation projects and environmental reviews. PostHarvey.org includes news reports, interviews and opinion pieces about the city's funding efforts, along with about 20 letters and relevant documents.

HOUSTON – Communities in Schools is an organization to help keep kids in school. It recognizes the same stressed-out behaviors in kids affected by Hurricane Harvey. Judith Maldonado said her twin boys are in a new school district and staying in other families’ homes since Harvey. “Make sure to set daily routines with your children so that the children know what's going to happen that day,” Pizana said. Pizana said continuing to be open and communicate about their plans, even if it's written down for kids, will help.