PHOTOS: State of disaster declared in 31 Texas counties as rain continues to pour

Published 5:00 pm Friday, June 3, 2016

By Deanna Narveson and Chanukah Christie | Community News Content

At least 17 people have drowned, including nine army soldiers, in Texas after severe storms brought in heavy rain and severe flooding. Some southeastern Texas rivers are up to dangerous historic levels, according to The Weather Channel. 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster in 31 Texas counties, forcing schools to close and some parts of towns to be evacuated Thursday morning.

This week, parts of Texas have been under flood watches and warnings. One dam was forced to release water at 61,000 cubic feet per second, according to the Associated Press.  The rain is set to continue throughout the weekend.