Officials in Houston say there have been more than 1,000 rescues and evacuations because of rising waters caused by the remnants of Tropical Depression Imelda.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says the rescues and evacuations caused by the flooding were in the eastern part of the county.

A flash flood emergency for the area will remain in effect until 3pm on Thursday.

Officials are urging the public to stay off the roads.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says among those rescued were nine children and employees from a daycare centre that had taken on water in Aldine, about 10 miles north of Houston.