The death toll from flooding in Texas and Louisiana has risen tosixteen.
At least one storm-related death was reported in Louisiana, and officials said the death toll in the Houston area was up to 15.
The mayor of Houston, Mr Lee Brown urged employers to give workers the day off on Monday. He estimated thecost of repairing flood-damaged properties in the city at$1 billion.
"Because of buildings being closed, power out and water in some of the buildings, I'm asking employers to consider tomorrow a day of recovery to let downtown get back on track, back on its feet, to take the day off to take care of their own problems or to help friends or neighbours," he said.
A rain gauge on the city's east side had measured nearly three feet of rain since Tropical Storm Allison came ashore last week. More than 20 inches of rain fell in some areas on Friday and Saturday.
Onewoman was killed when the lift she was trapped in was flooded in the basement of an office building.