AUSTIN – As flash flood warnings blanketed a dozen counties in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday morning, officials shut down the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County.

“METRO is continuing to monitor the weather and flooding conditions as it pulls all its vehicles, rail and bus and HOV/HOT lanes from service,” according to the Harris County website on Sunday morning. “Today’s catastrophic weather event has resulted in extremely dangerous and widespread flooding. 

“Conditions have forced the city of Houston and Harris County to shut down all but emergency services.”

Houston ISD closed schools and offices all week for the coming week, “due to widespread damage from Tropical Storm Harvey,” according to the HISD website. “Schools and offices are expected to reopen at their regularly scheduled time on Tuesday, Sept. 5.”

John Austin covers the Texas Statehouse for CNHI’s newspapers and websites. Reach him at jaustin@cnhi.com.