HOUSTON – As of Sunday, Houston police and firefighters have received more than 6,000 calls for rescues and have saved more than 1,000 people as Tropical Storm Harvey dumped record rainfall on the Bayou City.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said 911 dispatchers have fielded more than 56,000 calls since 10 p.m. Saturday -- nearly seven times the average number of calls for a 24-hour period.
WATCH: Water rescue captured on camera
Most major freeways and feeder roads were covered with water after Harvey blanketed the area with about 24 inches of rain within 24 hours.
Turner said 10 high-water vehicles, 22 aircraft, 35 boats and dozens of rescue personnel have been deployed throughout the city to find and help those who are stranded. He said 49 high-water vehicles from military installations in Texas have also been deployed.
The mayor reiterated his request for everyone to stay home and off the roads.
Widespread flooding
In Friendswood, reporter Sofia Ojeda witnessed Friendswood police using a boat to rescue stranded homeowners at Link Road near Clear Creek.
As Houstonians always do, neighbors are pitching in to help the community.
A stranger brought extra fuel for the Friendswood police boat.
VIDEO: Stranger helps police with fuel
In east Houston at Fleming Drive near Federal, good Samaritans, including one man with whom we spoke, helped rescued victims.
"It's just the way I was raised. Everybody comes before me," he said. "I've been living in this neighborhood for almost 21 years and I love these neighbors so much."
VIDEO: Good Samaritans help flood victims
A mother and her two young children were rescued from their flooded home Sunday.
"We prayed a lot and we just praised God. And we were rescued," the woman said.
She told KPRC2 that her husband is a firefighter so they were prepared if their home flooded.
A kayaker was also spotted in the area and has made six rescues from a flooded neighborhood.
Family: We prayed a lot and we were rescued
Coast Guard search and rescue efforts
The National Weather Service and the Harris County Flood Control District are urging people to get onto the roof instead of climbing into the attic if there is rising water, then call 911 or the U.S.Coast Guard at 281-464-4851, but only if you are in a life-threatening situation.
While on the roof, wave a towel or sheet to be noticed from the air.
Five Coast Guard helicopters are conducting rescues in the Houston area.
The Coast Guard said more than 300 requests for urban search and rescue have been received by its Sector Houston Command Center.
Check the forecast any time by visiting the weather page of Click2Houston.com or by downloading Frank's forecast app on Apple or Android devices.