Thousands Need Rescue As Harvey Floodwaters Rise

Floodwaters continue to rise in and around Houston after constant rain Monday. Tropical Storm Harvey is historic, catastrophic and still extremely dangerous.

Crews are working around the clock using boats, trash trucks and helicopters to rescue people. More than 50,000 911 calls have been made by people asking for help. FEMA expects 30,000 people will need somewhere to stay temporarily.

Experts say Harvey could dump up to 50 inches of rain before it leaves Texas on Thursday.

With rainfall now measured in feet, not inches, driving is treacherous and unpredictable. Phineas and Sylvia Washer said the water crept up on them, stalling their car and stranding them on a side street. 

"I've never seen anything like this," Phineas said. "And what we did was very dumb and stupid."

With help, the couple made it to safety before emergency crews arrived. Those emergency crews are responding to many emergency calls.

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"It's worse than I've ever seen it," said Chief Kevin Hosler, Needham Fire Department. "We're getting flooding in places we normally don't get flooding."

Which is catching many drivers off guard. The Fire department has responded to so many calls, they quit counting the number of rescues since Harvey made landfall.

"It's devastating, it really is," Chief Hosler said.

Not only is the high water causing problems for drivers in residential areas,  it it's also shutting down some major highways. Interstate 45 has three feet of water covering the road.

Emergency crews are stressing the importance of people staying off the flooded roads.

"I have no one to blame but myself," said Phineas Washer, a flood victim. "We safe. And very much appreciate your attention and help and care."