Harvey is the rainiest storm in U.S. history

Houston, soaked.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Harvey has dumped more than 49 inches of rain southeast of Houston, a new record for the continental United States. The previous record of 48 inches was set in tropical cyclone Amelia in 1978, also in Texas. On Tuesday, Mary's Creek, Texas, recorded 49.32 inches of rain.

Flooding has been a serious and deadly hazard in the region, with dams and levees showing strain from the unprecedented amounts of water. "The threat is now moving from rain to river," KPRC-TV meteorologist Britta Merwin told USA Today.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.