Hurricane Harvey was the first major hurricane since Wilma in 2005.

In a four-day period, many areas received more than 40 inches of rain with peak accumulations of 51.88 in (1,318 mm). As the storm essentially stalled over eastern Texas and adjacent waters, it turned roads into rivers.  Harvey devastated the Gulf Coast from August 25-2017 – September 2, 2017 stretching from the Houston area to Louisiana.

“This will be a devastating disaster; probably the worst disaster the state’s seen” Federal Emergency Management Agency Direction William “Brock” Long told The Washington Post from FEMA headquarters in Washington.  Many wonder “What made Harvey so powerful?” Scientists say a deadly combination of environmental factors: warm water in the Gulf of Mexico that intensified the rainfall, and a lack of winds in the upper atmosphere that could have steered Harvey away from land.  Scientists are increasingly able to link some extreme weather events to climate change, but when it comes to hurricanes, many say there remain a number of unknowns. What is clear, though, is that rising global temperatures warm the oceans, which causes more water to evaporate into the atmosphere.

Assistance for those affected by Harvey

FEMA is urging residents affected by Harvey to take the following steps toward recovery.  Harris and Fort Bend counties have been approved for individual and public assistance:

1. Rental Payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are inhabitable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and one month for renters.
2. Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.
3. Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.
4. Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals.
5. Low Interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance
6. Loans to $2 million for small businesses,  small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non profit organizations of all sixes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover.

Important Contact Numbers:

- Application Deadline: 10/24/2017

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas may begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).