Hurricane Harvey could push up natural gas prices this winter

Refineries are seen in the aftermath ... — Brendan Smialowski, AFP/Getty Images
Refineries are seen during Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas.

By Aldo Svaldi | asvaldi@denverpost.com | The Denver Post

PUBLISHED: August 28, 2017 at 4:38 p.m. | UPDATED: August 28, 2017 at 11:27 p.m.

Hurricane Harvey, already driving up gasoline prices in Colorado and other states, has the potential to circle back and hit consumers with higher home heating costs this winter.

It all depend on how long oil and gas production along the Gulf Coast remains out of commission, and to what degree natural gas stockpiles deplete ahead of the peak winter heating season.

“It is probably too early to tell what impact Hurricane Harvey will have on natural gas prices locally, for both generation and for the upcoming winter heating season,” said Mark Stutz, spokesman for Xcel Energy.

Colorado’s largest utility has already locked in most of the natural gas supply it needs for the winter heating season, and its suppliers are local and regional, boosting the odds they can deliver on their contractual promises.

S&P Global Platts
Harvey is on track for several more days of torrential rains.

Xcel Energy doesn’t expect much of an impact on heating prices in the region, “unless there is a very significant and long-term loss of production over the next several weeks or months,” Stutz said.

Futures markets for natural gas on Friday were initially sanguine about the storm. Prices actually dropped on reduced natural gas demand due to widespread power outages. But power is also needed to process and move natural gas and markets awoke to the severity of supply disruptions on Monday, pushing up futures prices slightly.

Texas accounts for a quarter of the nation’s natural gas production, and the storm has impacted about half of that total. Offshore platforms, the first to shut down, look like they will bounce back fairly quickly. It could take longer for producers in the Eagle Ford Shale, who aren’t as accustomed to swimming in water.

But the gas needs to go somewhere. Several significant pipelines have had to shut down in the region and natural gas processing capacity in eastern Texas is down by 40 percent, according to Platt’s Analytics.

About three-quarters of the homes in Colorado burn natural gas for heat, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And Colorado exports far more natural gas than it consumes, meaning producers here could get a bump if prices do rise.

That isn’t the case with gasoline. The storm has forced the shut down of 10 refineries along the Gulf Coast, taking 2.2 million barrels of gasoline production, according to S&P Global Platts. Houston and surrounding ports remain closed, eliminating two key entry points for 1.9 million barrels of oil a day, as well as another 418,000 barrels of refined products.

Colorado’s two refineries, owned by Calagary-based Suncor, feed mostly on local oil, which is light, as well as some much heavier Canadian crude to produce gasoline, distillates and asphalt, said Paul Newmarch, a spokesman for Suncor.

“The majority of the refined products are sold to commercial and wholesale customers in Colorado and Wyoming,” Newmarch said. That retail network includes 35 Shell-branded stations, 7 Exxon stations and 2 Mobil stations in the state.

Colorado counts on refineries in Wyoming, Kansas and Texas to fill in the gap. Even before the storm, gasoline inventories in the Rocky Mountain region were at their lowest levels of the year, further adding to pressure on prices, according to AAA Colorado.

Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle via AP
Neighbors used their personal boats to rescue Jane Rhodes, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Friendswood, Texas. Harvey made landfall in Texas on Friday night as the strongest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade. By Saturday afternoon it had been downgraded into a tropical storm, but it had dumped over a dozen inches of rain on some areas and forecasters were warning that it could cause catastrophic flooding in the coming days.
Charlie Riedel, The Associated Press
A pedestrian crosses a street inundated by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Two kayakers try to beat the current pushing them down an overflowing Brays Bayou from Tropical Storm Harvey in Houston, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. (Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via AP)
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
A man wades through floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle via AP
People seek shelter from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. Rising floodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Harvey chased thousands of people to rooftops or higher ground Sunday in Houston, overwhelming rescuers who fielded countless desperate calls for help.
Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle via AP
Terranysha Ferguson holds her son, Christian Phillips as she sits with the rest of her family at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. Rising floodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Harvey chased thousands of people to rooftops or higher ground Sunday in Houston, overwhelming rescuers who fielded countless desperate calls for help.
LM Otero, The Associated Press
D'Ona Spears, center, reacts as she is told that she cannot bring her dog Missy into the shelter for flood evacuees with her daughter Natalie, left, at the convention center in downtown Houston, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. Spears and her family walked to the shelter after her home was flooded with water from the Buffalo Bayou.
Charlie Riedel, The Associated Press
A man walks through floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey as he evacuates his home on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Wilford Martinez, right, is rescued from his flooded car by Harris County Sheriff's Department Richard Wagner along Interstate 610 in floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Wilford Martinez, bottom, grabs the median as he is rescued from his flooded car along Interstate 610 in floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston. The remnants of Hurricane Harvey sent devastating floods pouring into Houston Sunday as rising water chased thousands of people to rooftops or higher ground.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Two people walk down a flooded section of Interstate 610 in floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Residents are rescued from their homes surrounded by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
John Mone, The Associated Press
Waters rush from a large sinkhole on Highway FM 762 in Rosenberg, Texas, near Houston, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. Police say the sinkhole has opened on the Texas highway as Tropical Storm Harvey dumps more rain on the region.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Men checks on a boat storage facility that was damaged by Hurricane Harvey, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Rockport, Texas.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Jennifer Bryant looks over the debris from her family business destroyed by Hurricane Harvey Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Katy, Texas. Harvey rolled over the Texas Gulf Coast on Saturday, smashing homes and businesses and lashing the shore with wind and rain so intense that drivers were forced off the road because they could not see in front of them.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
A truck pushes through floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Residents wade through floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Residents wade through floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Residents are rescued from their homes surrounded by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
LM Otero, The Associated Press
An abandoned vehicle sits in flood waters on the I-10 highway in Houston, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017.
Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via AP
Two kayakers try to beat the current pushing them down an overflowing Brays Bayou from Tropical Storm Harvey in Houston, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Residents wade through floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images
A destroyed buildingand vehicles at Rockport Airport after heavy damage when Hurricane Harvey hit Rockport, Texas on Aug. 26, 2017. Hurricane Harvey left a trail of devastation Saturday after the most powerful storm to hit the US mainland in over a decade slammed into Texas, destroying homes, severing power supplies and forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee.
Brendan Smialowski, AFP/Getty Images
Brad Matheney offers help to a man in a wheelchair in a flooded street while Hurricane Henry passes through Texas Aug. 26, 2017 in Galveston, Texas. Hurricane Harvey left a trail of devastation Saturday after the most powerful storm to hit the US mainland in over a decade slammed into Texas, destroying homes, severing power supplies and forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee.
Brendan Smialowski, AFP/Getty Images
People walk through flooded streets as the effects of Hurricane Henry are seen Aug. 26, 2017 in Galveston, Texas. Hurricane Harvey left a trail of devastation Saturday after the most powerful storm to hit the US mainland in over a decade slammed into Texas, destroying homes, severing power supplies and forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee.
Nick Wagner, Associated Press
A road remains flooded after Hurricane Harvey ripped through Rockport, Texas, on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. The fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade spun across hundreds of miles of coastline where communities had prepared for life-threatening storm surges — walls of water rushing inland.
Nick Wagner, Associated Press
A laundromat's machines sit exposed in the elements after Hurricane Harvey ripped through Rockport, Texas, on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. The fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade spun across hundreds of miles of coastline where communities had prepared for life-threatening storm surges — walls of water rushing inland.
Ralph Barrera, Associated Press
Officials at the State of Texas Emergency Command Center at Department of Public Safety headquarters in Austin, Texas monitor Hurricane Harvey Saturday morning, Aug. 26, 2017.
Ralph Barrera, Associated Press
Gov. Greg Abbott receives a briefing at the State of Texas Emergency Command Center at Department of Public Safety headquarters in Austin, Texas as they monitor Hurricane Harvey Saturday morning, Aug. 26, 2017.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Miguel Debernardis cleans up debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Katy, Texas. Harvey rolled over the Texas Gulf Coast on Saturday, smashing homes and businesses and lashing the shore with wind and rain so intense that drivers were forced off the road because they could not see in front of them.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
The Bayfront Seafood restaurant is surrounded by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Palacios, Texas.
Stuart Villanuevam, The Galveston County Daily News via AP
A dog walks out into flood waters in Bacliff, Texas on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. The fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade came ashore late Friday about 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi as a mammoth Category 4 storm with 130 mph (209 kph) winds. It weakened overnight to Category 1 and then to a tropical storm.
Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via A
Crews remove derby from the streets after Hurricane Harvey landed in the Coast Bend area on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Port Aransas, Texas. The National Hurricane Center has downgraded Harvey from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm. Harvey came ashore Friday along the Texas Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds, the most powerful hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade.
Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
A truck is flipped over after Hurricane Harvey landed in the Coast Bend area on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Port Aransas, Texas. The National Hurricane Center has downgraded Harvey from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm. Harvey came ashore Friday along the Texas Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds, the most powerful hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images
A lies abandoned after heavy damage when Hurricane Harvey hit Rockport, Texas on Aug. 26, 2017. Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas coast late Friday, unleashing torrents of rain and packing powerful winds, the first major storm to hit the US mainland in 12 years.
LM Otero, The Associated Press
A man in a wheel chair, who did not wish to be identified, leaves evacuation shelter from hurricane Harvey in San Antonio Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. The fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade spun across hundreds of miles of coastline where communities had prepared for life-threatening storm surges — walls of water rushing inland.
Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
A boat is located on land after Hurricane Harvey landed in the Coast Bend area on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Port Aransas, Texas. The National Hurricane Center has downgraded Harvey from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm. Harvey came ashore Friday along the Texas Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds, the most powerful hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
A Rockport firefighter goes door to door on a search and rescue mission as he looks for people that may need help after Hurricane Harvey passed through on Aug. 26, 2017 in Rockport, Texas. Harvey made landfall shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just north of Port Aransas as a Category 4 storm and is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005. Forecasts call for as much as 30 inches of rain to fall in the next few days.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Henry Isaac cuts down broken tree limbs after Hurricane Harvey Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Missouri City, Texas. Harvey rolled over the Texas Gulf Coast on Saturday, smashing homes and businesses and lashing the shore with wind and rain so intense that drivers were forced off the road because they could not see in front of them.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Jessica Campbell hugs Jonathan Fitzgerald (L-R) after riding out Hurricane Harvey in an apartment on Aug. 26, 2017 in Rockport, Texas. Jessica said is became very scary once Hurricane Harvey hit their town. Harvey made landfall shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just north of Port Aransas as a Category 4 storm and is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005. Forecasts call for as much as 30 inches of rain to fall by next Wednesday.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Valerie Brown walks through a flooded area after leaving the apartment that she road out Hurricane Harvey in on Aug. 26, 2017 in Rockport, Texas. Harvey made landfall shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just north of Port Aransas as a Category 4 storm and is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005. Forecasts call for as much as 30 inches of rain to fall in the next few days.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
A drives moves through flood waters left behind by Hurricane Harvey, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Aransas Pass, Texas. Harvey rolled over the Texas Gulf Coast on Saturday, smashing homes and businesses and lashing the shore with wind and rain so intense that drivers were forced off the road because they could not see in front of them.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
A traffic signal topped by the winds of Hurricane Harvey lies in an intersection of downtown Corpus Christi, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. Harvey has been further downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane as it churns slowly inland from the Texas Gulf Coast, already depositing more than 9 inches of rain in South Texas.
Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle via AP
As a preventative measure, empty Metro buses are lined up in the center lanes of Interstate 59 near Cavalcade in case their bus shelters flood, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Houston.
Jack Fischer, NASA via Getty Images
In this NASA handout image, Hurricane Harvey from the cupola module aboard the International Space Station as it intensified on its way toward the Texas coast on Aug. 25, 2017. The Expedition 52 crew on the station has been tracking this storm for the past two days and capturing Earth observation photographs and videos from their vantage point in low Earth orbit.Now at category 4 strength, Harvey's maximum sustained winds had increased to 130 miles per hour.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Donna Raney makes her way out of the wreckage of her home as Daisy Graham tells her she will help her out of the window after Hurricane Harvey destroyed the apartment on Aug. 26, 2017 in Rockport, Texas. Donna was hiding in the shower after the roof blew off and the walls of her home caved in by the winds of Hurricane Harvey. Harvey made landfall shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just north of Port Aransas as a Category 4 storm and is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005. Forecasts call for as much as 30 inches of rain to fall by next Wednesday.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Lee Guerrero tries to kick open a door of an apartment after hearing his friends say they were hiding in the shower stall and were okay after Hurricane Harvey destroyed the apartment on Aug. 26, 2017 in Rockport, Texas. Harvey made landfall shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just north of Port Aransas as a Category 4 storm and is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005. Forecasts call for as much as 30 inches of rain to fall in the next few days.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Daisy Graham reacts to the news that a friend of hers may still be in an apartment that was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 26, 2017 in Rockport, Texas. The friends were found alive but still hiding in the shower stall after the homes roof was blown off and walls blown in by the high winds. Harvey made landfall shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just north of Port Aransas as a Category 4 storm and is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005. Forecasts call for as much as 30 inches of rain to fall by next Wednesday.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Terry Smith stands with Barry Skipper (L-R) as the last winds of Hurricane Harvey pass through on Aug. 26, 2017 in Rockport, Texas. Ms. Smith said she has never been as terrified in her life as when the winds started roaring through town and causing the collapse of her kitchen ceiling. Harvey made landfall shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just north of Port Aransas as a Category 4 storm and is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005. Forecasts call for as much as 30 inches of rain to fall in the next few days.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
A trailer overturned in the wake of Hurricane Harvey lies upside down, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Aransas Pass, Texas. Harvey rolled over the Texas Gulf Coast on Saturday, smashing homes and businesses and lashing the shore with wind and rain so intense that drivers were forced off the road because they could not see in front of them.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Billy Raney and Donna Raney climb over the wreckage of whats left of their apartment after Hurricane Harvey destroyed it on Aug. 26, 2017 in Rockport, Texas. Donna and Billy were hiding in the shower after the roof blew off and the walls of her home caved in by the winds of Hurricane Harvey. Harvey made landfall shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just north of Port Aransas as a Category 4 storm and is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005. Forecasts call for as much as 30 inches of rain to fall by next Wednesday.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
A damaged home is seen after Hurricane Harvey passed through on Aug. 26, 2017 in Rockport, Texas. Harvey made landfall shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just north of Port Aransas as a Category 4 storm and is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005. Forecasts call for as much as 30 inches of rain to fall in the next few days.
Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via AP
A family evacuates their Meyerland home in Houston, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. Rescuers answered hundreds of calls for help Sunday as floodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Harvey rose high enough to begin filling second-story homes, and authorities urged stranded families to seek refuge on their rooftops.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Terry Smith stands in the kitchen as Henry McKay sleeps in the apartment where the ceiling collapse when Hurricane Harvey hit on Aug. 26, 2017 in Rockport, Texas. Ms. Smith said she has never been as terrified in her life as when the winds started roaring through town. Harvey made landfall shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, just north of Port Aransas as a Category 4 storm and is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005. Forecasts call for as much as 30 inches of rain to fall in the next few days.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Moses Juarez, left, and Anselmo Padilla wade through floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Jabin Botsford, The Washington Post
Jack Rigby, 17, lays on a mattress as he along with his family and friends prepare to ride out the storm at the Green Iguana Grill as Hurricane Harvey intensifies in Port Lavaca, Texas, on Friday.
Jabin Botsford, The Washington Post
Justin Karl and Stockton Quirey board up a window as they prepare to ride out the storm with family and friends at the Green Iguana Grill in Port Lavaca, Texas, as Hurricane Harvey intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico on Friday.
Courtney Sacco, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Robert Cavanaugh buys plywood at The Home Depot to board up his windows ahead of a tropical storm on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level and is making state resources available for preparation and possible rescue and recovery actions amid forecasts a tropical storm will make landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Courtney Sacco, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Anthony Rayford and Alma Longbotham fill a sandbag behind the Seaman's Memorial Tower in Aransas Pass, Texas, ahead of a tropical storm on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level and is making state resources available for preparation and possible rescue and recovery actions amid forecasts a tropical storm will make landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Courtney Sacco, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Residents load sandbags behind the Seaman's Memorial Tower in Aransas Pass, Texas, ahead of a tropical storm on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level and is making state resources available for preparation and possible rescue and recovery actions amid forecasts a tropical storm will make landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Jason Hoekema, The Brownsville Herald via AP
Texas Department of Transportation signage warns drivers to the development of a tropical system on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, in Port Isabel, Texas. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level and is making state resources available for preparation and possible rescue and recovery actions amid forecasts a tropical storm will make landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Jason Hoekema, The Brownsville Herald via AP
Leo Sermiento, left, and Emilio Gutierrez, right, fill sandbags in preparation for a tropical system on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, on South Padre Island, Texas. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level and is making state resources available for preparation and possible rescue and recovery actions amid forecasts a tropical storm will make landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Stuart Villanueva, The Galveston County Daily News via AP
Michael Lambert, the emergency operations center controller at the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management, looks at a bank of monitors in center in Dickinson, Texas, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.
Courtney Sacco, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Two residents make sand bags at the end of East Avenue G in Port Aransas, Texas, ahead of Hurricane Harvey on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.
Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
A sign is displayed at JB's German Bakery & Cafe as Hurricane Harvey approaches the area on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Courtney Sacco, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
A man stands in font of empty shelves where generators are kept at The Home Depot ahead of a tropical storm on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level and is making state resources available for preparation and possible rescue and recovery actions amid forecasts a tropical storm will make landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Stuart Villanueva, The Galveston County Daily News via AP
A map of the Texas Coast is projected on a screen as Deb Nowinski, a disability integration coordinator, gives information to a caller regarding the approach of Hurricane Harvey at the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center in Dickinson, Texas, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
James Redford carries a sheet of plywood as he helps board up windows in preparation for Hurricane Harvey, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Two counties have ordered mandatory evacuations as Hurricane Harvey gathers strength as it drifts toward the Texas Gulf Coast.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Residents fill sand bags as they prepare for Hurricane Harvey, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Two counties have ordered mandatory evacuations as Hurricane Harvey gathers strength as it drifts toward the Texas Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Stripes store workers board up windows in preparation for Hurricane Harvey, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Two counties have ordered mandatory evacuations as Hurricane Harvey gathers strength as it drifts toward the Texas Gulf Coast.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Stripes workers board up windows in preparation for Hurricane Harvey, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Courtney Sacco, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Palmer Simpson loads suitcases into his truck as he prepares to evacuate his home in Port Aransas, Texas, ahead of Hurricane Harvey on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Aaron Berg fills up a gas can and his portable generator Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Houston as Hurricane Harvey intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico. Harvey is forecast to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall along the middle Texas coastline.
(Rachel Denny Clow, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Whataburger by the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas, is boarded up on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in preparation for Hurricane Harvey.
Rachel Denny Clow, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Mauro Eligio, left, gets help boarding up his home from his neighbor Chris Baker on the Southside of Corpus Christi, Texas on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in advance of Hurricane Harvey.
Jason Hoekema, The Brownsville Herald via AP
A lone car crosses the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway in the distance as rain from Hurricane Harvey falls on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Port Isabel, Texas. The causeway will be closed to traffic by the Texas Department of Public Safety when conditions worsen, keeping individuals on South Padre Island in place while the storm passes near the deep South Texas coastal town.
Chris Mathew fills his vehicle and five gas cans at Costco in preparation for tropical weather on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, in Pearland, Texas. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the tropical depression was expected to intensify over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico before reaching the Texas coast Friday. (Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via AP)
Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle via AP
Steve Elliott, left, and David Prater, right, secure a 40-foot shrimp boat at West End Marina, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Galveston, Texas, as people prepare for Hurricane Harvey.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Shoppers pass empty shelves along the bottled water aisle in a Houston grocery store as Hurricane Harvey intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017. Harvey is forecast to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall along the middle Texas coastline.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Lynn Dixon places sandbags outside their home decor store in Galveston, Texas as Hurricane Harvey intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Conditions were deteriorating along Texas's Gulf Coast on Friday as Hurricane Harvey strengthened and slowly moved toward the state, with forecasters warning that evacuations and preparations "should be rushed to completion."
Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle via AP
Carolyn Price empties a fridge on the lower level of her property in Matagorda, Texas before Hurricane Harvey makes landfall Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Conditions were deteriorating along Texas's Gulf Coast on Friday as Hurricane Harvey strengthened and slowly moved toward the state, with forecasters warning that evacuations and preparations "should be rushed to completion." Price and her husband David drove down from Lake Conroe to retrieve their power fishing boat and other belongings after hearing the surge would reach 10-12 feet.
Lynne Sladky, The Associated Press
Michael Brennan, branch chief of the National Hurricane Center, talks about potential storm surge once Hurricane Harvey makes its projected landfall on the Texas coast, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Miami. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast.
Lynne Sladky, The Associated Press
Michael Brennan, branch chief at the National Hurricane Center, gives an update on Hurricane Harvey as it moves toward the Texas coast, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Miami. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
A man checks on a boat in the marina in preparation of Hurricane Harvey, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Clouds and rain form over downtown Corpus Christi, Texas, as the outer bands of Hurricane Harvey move closer to shore, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
City workers pull down a canvas covering as the outer bands of Hurricane Harvey move closer, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
A man carries a sandbag he filled along the sea wall in preparation of Hurricane Harvey, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Monica Chavez walks along a pier as rain and winds from Hurricane Harvey move closer to shore, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Leo Martinez carries a sandbag he filled along the sea wall, in preparation for Hurricane Harvey, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast..
Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Tom Corbin, right, and Terry Corbin prepare sandbags as Hurricane Harvey approaches the Coastal Bend area on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast.
Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Oscar Aldana, left, and Abraham Blanco prepare sandbags to take home as Hurricane Harvey approaches the Coastal Bend area on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast.
Gabe Hernandez, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Vimal Patel boards up windows with the help of Carl Bledsoe (left) at the Catalina Motel as Hurricane Harvey approaches the Coastal Bend area on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The National Hurricane Center warns that conditions are deteriorating as Hurricane Harvey strengthens and slowly moves toward the Texas coast.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Luis Perez watches waves crash again a jetty in Galveston, Texas as Hurricane Harvey intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Harvey is forecast to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall along the middle Texas coastline.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Officials deliver water to an holding area for residents waiting to be evacuated, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Harvey intensified into a hurricane Thursday and steered for the Texas coast with the potential for up to 3 feet of rain, 125 mph winds and 12-foot storm surges in what could be the fiercest hurricane to hit the United States in almost a dozen years.
Courtney Sacco, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
Water rises at Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi, Texas as Hurricane Harvey approaches on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. The slow-moving hurricane could be the fiercest such storm to hit the United States in almost a dozen years. Forecasters labeled Harvey a "life-threatening storm" that posed a "grave risk" as millions of people braced for a prolonged battering.
Jabin Botsford, The Washington Post
Waves crash against the coast as Hurricane Harvey intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico in Port Lavaca, Texas, on Friday.
Courtney Sacco, Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP
A power generator tips in front of Texas' CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, as Hurricane Harvey hits Friday, Aug. 25, 2017.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Fishermen walk along a pier as the early bands of Hurricane Harvey make landfall, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Harvey intensified into a hurricane Thursday and steered for the Texas coast with the potential for up to 3 feet of rain, 125 mph winds and 12-foot storm surges in what could be the fiercest hurricane to hit the United States in almost a dozen years.
Nicolas Galindo/The Victoria Advocate via AP
Victoria County Sheriff's deputies bring supplies into the The Victoria Tax Office in downtown Victoria, Texas, in order to prepare for Hurricane Harvey making landfall on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017.
Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
A street sits empty as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas late Friday, lashing a wide swath of the Gulf Coast with strong winds and torrential rain from the fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade.
Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
Shoes tied to a power line hang near a street after winds from Hurricane Harvey brought down a power pole in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas late Friday, lashing a wide swath of the Gulf Coast with strong winds and torrential rain from the fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade.
Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
A damaged stop light blocks a street as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas late Friday, lashing a wide swath of the Gulf Coast with strong winds and torrential rain from the fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade.
Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
A Valero oil refinery's flare continues to burn as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas late Friday, lashing a wide swath of the Gulf Coast with strong winds and torrential rain from the fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade.
Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
A power pole lays in the middle of a street as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas late Friday, lashing a wide swath of the Gulf Coast with strong winds and torrential rain from the fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade.
Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
A basketball hoop lays in pieces as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas late Friday, lashing a wide swath of the Gulf Coast with strong winds and torrential rain from the fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade.
Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
A tree blocks a street as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas late Friday, lashing a wide swath of the Gulf Coast with strong winds and torrential rain from the fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade.
Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
An oil refinery's lights illuminate rainfall as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas late Friday, lashing a wide swath of the Gulf Coast with strong winds and torrential rain from the fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade. (Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Rain is blown past palm trees as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Harvey intensified into a hurricane Thursday and steered for the Texas coast with the potential for up to 3 feet of rain, 125 mph winds and 12-foot storm surges in what could be the fiercest hurricane to hit the United States in almost a dozen years.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Joe Garcia carries his dog Heidi from his flooded home as he is rescued from rising floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Spring, Texas.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
A home is surrounded by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Spring, Texas.
Charlie Riedel, The Associated Press
Alexendre Jorge evacuates Ethan Colman, 4, from a neighborhood inundated by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
A man helps children across a flooded street as they evacuate their home after the area was inundated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi late Friday evening, is expected to dump upwards to 40 inches of rain in Texas over the next couple of days. *** BESTPIX ***
LM Otero, The Associated Press
Jose Beltran, left, makes his was out of the neighborhood with his nephew Jonathan Beltran, center, and Abram Gutierrez as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey continue to rise in Houston, Texas, Monday, Aug. 28, 2017.
Erich Schlegel, Getty Images
Local apartment residents cross high water on North Braeswood Blvd to escape the flooding from Hurricane Harvey Aug. 28, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi late Friday evening, is expected to dump upwards to 40 inches of rain in areas of Texas over the next couple of days.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
People walk down a flooded street as they evacuate their homes after the area was inundated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 28, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi late Friday evening, is expected to dump upwards to 40 inches of rain in Texas over the next couple of days. *** BESTPIX ***
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
People catch a ride on a construction vehicle down a flooded street as they evacuate their homes after the area was inundated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 28, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi late Friday evening, is expected to dump upwards to 40 inches of rain in Texas over the next couple of days.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
People walk down a flooded street as they evacuate their homes after the area was inundated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi late Friday evening, is expected to dump upwards to 40 inches of rain in Texas over the next couple of days.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
A person walks through a flooded street with a dog after the area was inundated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 28, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi late Friday evening, is expected to dump upwards to 40 inches of rain in Texas over the next couple of days.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
The westbound lanes of Highway 71 in La Grange, Texas, at the Colorado River are underwater after Hurricane Harvey on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017. The center highway barricade is all that's holding back the water from spilling into the eastbound lanes.
Thomas B. Shea, AFP/Getty Images
The downtown Houston skyline and flooded highway 288 are seen Aug. 27, 2017 as the city battles with tropical storm Harvey and resulting floods.
Erich Schlegel, Getty Images
HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 28: Local apartment residents cross high water on North Braeswood Blvd to escape the flooding from Hurricane Harvey August 28, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi late Friday evening, is expected to dump upwards to 40 inches of rain in areas of Texas over the next couple of days. (Photo by Erich Schlegel/Getty Images)
Thomas B. Shea, AFP/Getty Images
People view the flooded highways in Houston on Aug. 27, 2017 as the city battles with tropical storm Harvey and resulting floods. Massive flooding unleashed by deadly monster storm Harvey left Houston -- the fourth-largest city in the United States -- increasingly isolated Sunday as its airports and highways shut down and residents fled homes waist-deep in water.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
Cattle are stranded in a flooded pasture on Highway 71 in La Grange, Texas, after Hurricane Harvey on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images
Rescue crews search for people in distress after Hurricane Harvey caused heavy flooding in Houston, Texas on Aug. 27, 2017. Massive flooding unleashed by deadly monster storm Harvey left Houston -- the fourth-largest city in the United States -- increasingly isolated as its airports and highways shut down and residents fled homes waist-deep in water.
Brendan Smialowski, AFP/Getty Images
A truck driver walks past an abandoned truck while checking the depth of an underpass during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Aug. 28, 2017 in Houston, Texas.
Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images
A family walks through water to escape from their homes on highway 90 after Hurricane Harvey caused heavy flooding in Houston, Texas on Aug. 28, 2017. Rescue teams in boats, trucks and helicopters scrambled Monday to reach hundreds of Texans marooned on flooded streets in and around the city of Houston before monster storm Harvey returns.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
People wait to be rescued from their flooded homes after the area was inundated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 28, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi late Friday evening, is expected to dump upwards to 40 inches of rain in Texas over the next couple of days.
Charlie Riedel, The Associated Press
People evacuate a neighborhood inundated by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
LM Otero, The Associated Press
Floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey flow in the Buffalo Bayou in downtown Houston, Texas, Monday, Aug. 28, 2017.
Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle via AP
An overhead view of the flooding in Houston, from Buffalo Bayou on Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway, as heavy rains continued falling from Tropical Storm Harvey, Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Houston. Houston was still largely paralyzed Monday, and there was no relief in sight from the storm that spun into Texas as a Category 4 hurricane, then parked itself over the Gulf Coast.
LM Otero, The Associated Press
Conception Casa, right, and his friend Jose Martinez, center, check on Rhonda Worthington after her car become stuck in rising floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey in Houston, Texas, Monday, Aug. 28, 2017. The two men were evacuating their home that had become flooded when they encountered Worthington's car floating off the road.
Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via AP
Rain continues to fall in Houston from Tropical Storm Harvey, Monday, Aug. 28, 2017. Floodwaters reached the roof lines of single-story homes Monday and people could be heard pleading for help from inside.
Lt. Zachary West, Army National Guard via Getty Images
In this handout provided by the Army National Guard, A Texas National Guardsman carries a resident from her flooded home following Hurricane Harvey Aug. 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi late Friday evening, is expected to dump upwards to 40 inches of rain in areas of Texas over the next couple of days.
David J. Phillip, The Associated Press
Volunteer rescue boats enter a flooded subdivision looking to evacuate residents as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Spring, Texas.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
Evelyn Perkins inspects her home which was destroyed in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Rockport, Texas.
The Victoria Advocate via AP
Betty Garza, 58, throws pieces of a ceiling out the side of her home as her dog, Pappi, sticks his head out in Tivoli, Texas after the area was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. Garza and her sister stayed in the bathroom of their father's home during Hurricane Harvey.