American Beauty

The forecast in Houston calls for more superlatives. But we’re quickly running out of ways to describe the storm, flooding, and rainfall levels that have now made Harvey the most extreme rain event in US history. Overflowing reservoirs and breached levees are adding additional neighborhoods to the list of those experiencing severe flooding, as more than a trillion gallons of rainfall have hit Harris County. And it’s not over yet. Harvey is expected to head out to sea before making landfall again on Wednesday.

+ While we’re running out of superlatives to describe the storm, we’re also running short of them when it comes to describing the heroism being displayed by ordinary people, working tirelessly to rescue strangers from their flooded neighborhoods. John Brown, who searched flooded areas on his 16-foot fishing boat put it best: “I think it’s beautiful, everybody coming together to do this.”

+ “I was young during Katrina and I know how it feels to lose everything. So being able to help others going through this situation that I have experienced, there’s no way — no way — I could pass up helping.” The ‘Cajun Navy’ races from Louisiana to Texas, using boats to pay it forward

+ Quartz: Iconic images of rescuers and good Samaritans spotlight the heroes of Harvey. And here’s a look at some pet rescues that have taken place.

+ Here are the latest updates from The Guardian as President Trump touches down in Texas: “We love you, you are special, we are here to take care of you. It’s going well … What a crowd, what a turn out.” (The “I” of the storm…)

+ Texas isn’t the only the place experiencing massive flooding. “Extreme rainfall has led to devastating floods across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, killing nearly 1,200 people and displacing millions.” Here are some images.