good morning, america. breaking news, explosions overnight at that chemical plant under six feet of floodwater. fears of a massive fire. sheriff's deputies rushed to the hospital. as harvey finally moves out, the magnitude of the devastation now becoming clear. entire neighborhoods completely submerged. the floodwaters threatening more homes. as many as 100,000 destroyed. victims still trapped. >> we're coming right back. >> a citizen armada comes to the rescue. >> they came banging on the front door and rescued us. >> more than 30,000 living in shelters. ♪ i've got the heart of a hero only right here this morning, we are kicking off o

unprecedented day of giving banding together across the country to help all those affected by hurricane harvey. so much loss. >> just coming back and gathering what i can. >> so much to rebuild. the day of giving starts right now. good morning, america. welcome to our day of giving. harvey is finally moving out of texas. the damage left behind just devastating. these helicopter shots show the conditions around port arthur and beaumont, texas, right now. the road to recovery will be a long one. >> here's what we know this morning, at least 31 deaths, the red cross says it is caring for 32,000 displaced people, 49,000 homes reported to be damaged but we know that number is believed to be much, much higher. this could end up being the costliest storm in u.s. history, more than $100 billion. >> we are devoting this morning to the fund-raising effort.

giving. you can support the red cross by phone, text or online. text harvey to 90-999. go to redcross.org/abc or call 1-855-999-give. >> as you can imagine, we have team coverage across texas and louisiana. we'll begin with breaking news. explosions at a flooded chemical plant in crosby, texas, and clayton sandell is there for us this morning. good morning, clayton. >> reporter: good morning, robin. just in the last two hours there have been at least two explosions at the arkema chemical plant five miles up the road and is now on fire. one deputy was transported to a hospital after inhaling what they're calling nontoxic fumes. nine others drove themselves to the hospital to get checked out. now, this is something the plant's owners predicted would happen because the volatile koepkas they use to make plastics, foam cups and pipes have to be kept cool and that is the problem.

electricity and two sources of backup power. i want to show you some video here. overnight the company released this clip that shows what happens to this type of chemical when it starts to get warm. basically it spontaneously combusts so that is why everyone here living here within a 1 1/2-mile radius has been evacuated. others have been told to shelter in place for now. later the company is expected to have a press conference and hopefully answer some big questions about the impact here. robin. >> there are some big questions that need to be answered. >> thank goodness they got the people out. to gio benitez in morning, texas, with the latest on the flooding and conditions at those endometriosis centers. good morning, gio. >> reporter: george, good morning to you. rescuers are still coming in with boats trying to get people out of that flood zone. but now in beaumont, there's a new concern, the water supply has been knocked out. people can be without water for days. in southeast texas

flooding inundating thousands near and along the coast. a local judge issuing an urgent warning, quote, get out or die. the images frightening. up side this nursing home beds surrounded by that murky water. residents in wheelchairs hoisted onto boats. patients in critical condition choppered out. people at emotional breaking points. >> i waded through the water and somebody gave me a ride on the boat. just break my heart. >> reporter: some seeking shelter in the now flooded civic center. >> inside the civic center, they got people all in the bleachers. they got mattresses on top of chairs. people on top of tables. water is coming in from every angle. >> reporter: others stranded inside this bowling alley. >> everybody come here and pick people up and bring them to a better place, thank you. >> reporter: port arthur's mayor derrick freeman reassuring his people even though his own home was flooded with four feet of water. >> i know one thing, it's not

if you call 911 and we haven't gotten there yet, we will. >> reporter: families left with nothing. how are you feeling right now? >> scared. >> i don't know which way to go, losing everything. >> no clothe, nothing. just what i got on. that's it. >> reporter: thousands relying on the generosity of strangers. a fleet of civilians on boths jumping in to help out. so this is what we're seeing of the private boats, people with private boats are coming out here and they are getting these people out of those homes, out of that flood. a group calling themselves the rescue rangers coming from as far away as oregon with their personal vessels. >> in the midst of it "all the light we cannot see" i could think of is just the unity to know it didn't matter what race, religion we was, we all come together in unity to make sure these people are safe. >> reporter: and as for that water supply in beaumont, it turns out that officials can't even start fixing it until the floodwaters recede and, robin,

that's going to take. >> that's right, gio, thank you. joining us on the phone is the mayor of port arthur, texas, derrick freeman who we just saw keeping spirits up in his city even though his own home flooded with four feet of water. mayor freeman, thank you very much for joining us this morning. we saw the dramatic video that you posted. you know, floodwater there in your own home asking for prayers for your city. tell us about what the situation is like this morning, mayor. >> well, it's getting better. you know, two nights ago we had a lot of water, we got about 20 inches of water in 24 hours and it devastated our city. you know, there's some parts that has receipted and gone down but we still have people in three, four-foot water in some homes so we still have active efforts getting people out of their homes and first responders and emergency personnel all around the city making sure we're taking care of the public safety. >> any idea how many people cod

morning? >> no, ma'am, but one thing that's awesome, we have a group of about 100 folks coming in from louisiana. they just got here 5:00 this morning and they'll be going home to home knocking on doors doing welfare checks, so, you know, as we're doing some of the other things they'll be doing the door-to-door and we're so grateful to make sure we get to every citizen and make contact. >> everybody is doing their part. whatever they possibly can. we saw the video of the nursing home and our heart just went out. how are the folks there doing? >> they're well. you know, it was something that we weren't prepared for and we didn't know we would have to get them out of there while we were rescuing people out of four foot of water but, again, we were able to adjust and we're so thankful for the cajun navy and the citizen help and volunteers. it was so awesome to see everybody come together as one as a community. >> and what is your biggest concern at this very moment? >> the rebuild. you know, we're going to bounce back. port arthur, we got hit with huic

and hurricane harvey and we've rebuilt every time so we're going to rebuild this time. we're going to be okay. >> and the way that you keep your spirit up and for your residents there, where does that spirit come from, mayor? >> god is good. god is good. >> all the time. >> all the time. so we're just making sure we stay grounded and do what we have to do to meet all the needs of our citizens right now and i think we've done a great job, our first responders between the volunteers, the community leaders, we've had business leaders step up. donating water, food, any blankets, walmart, catholic -- it's just been an awesome experience to be part of a team that know that they're willing to give back. you know, we're all a firm believer. you can't get a blessing until you're a blessing to somebody else so they got a lot of people that need a blessing right now. >> you said for us to pray and the prayers are continuing. mayor freeman, thank you very much. all the best to you and your resident

>> everybody there. thank you. >> thank you. y'all have a great day. >> encouraging words from the mayor and heard him say many victims are still stranded and go to our senior meteorologist rob marciano who went above beaumont, texas, in a black hawk helicopter to see rescues firsthand. good morning, rob. >> good morning, george. we're in conroe, texas, one of the many air bases they're using the army reserve choppers behind me. we went up with the u.s. customs and border protection, air and marine operations and do pretty much the same thing and within 90 minutes of flying around we saw water that many areas was as high as the rooftops come down a little bit today but we immediately got to an elderly couple. you see the woman coming out and getting out of that basket. boy, was she relieved. smiled, soaking wet and just exhausted and a lot are immobile, tough to get them out of the baskets, sometimes it takes a couple of guys just to do that. another man came up and came in with his dog.

their faces once they get into the dry chopper is inspiring. >> rob, you came upon one very large family. >> we did. so we also got to a place where there was some high ground but there was an area of high ground and dozens of people flocking to get to that higher dry ground and we had 13 people pile into this chopper, a lot of them kids and they had a mixture of joy from the kids, excitement from the kids and a little bit of fear from some of them as well but the guys were cheesing for the cameras and you can see the ladies there, just that ex-a ex-alling relief of finally being rescued and we got them to safety as well. that was an amazing experience. >> rob, i know everyone has been going around the clock. give a sense of how many rescues there have been in total. >> you know, george, it's tough to quantify because the way they count them at least in the air lift business is if you pick one person up in a hoist basket, that's one rescue but if 13

from dry land that's also one rescue and they're all different agencies working together and they'll radio back to base how many people they have on board but in the end they're way too busy doing it. a good guesstimate would be tens of thousands have been rescued in this operation which will be ongoing today. >> more to come. rob marciano, thanks very much. >> absolutely incredible every time you see the video. while the heavy rain might be over for texas, there are still vulnerable areas that could turn into dangerous flooding conditions so to ginger zee with the latest on all that. >> that's right. what's left of harvey still dropping heavy rain in parts of louisiana, even southeastern arkansas so this thing is going to move north and east and the flash flood threat actually takes its way all the way into southern ohio, just south of cincinnati, so louisville, lexington, nashville and memphis in the next 48 hours up to 8 inches. remember, even though the rain has stopped in houston for now, you still have rivers that are going to rise.

the way through this weekend and some places for weeks. watch as the river expands. this is the brazos river, the town of richmond, thompsons, all communities that could see flooding because they're expected to crest at 56. they just updated this. this water is moving so fast, 100,000 cubic feet per second and the runoff already in the gulf of mexico. >> okay, ginger, thanks. already 30,000 people have taken to houston shelters. 10,000 national guard troops will be deployed from across the country joining the 14,000 already there. abc's chief national correspondent tom llamas on the scene, been there since sunday. good morning, tom. >> reporter: george, good morning to you. the water behind me is starting to recede here in houston but there is still so much rainfall that hit this area that it's tough to tell. so many reminders still surround us. let's take a look from above. this is a park in downtown houston. this area right in front of me this used to be a field where

concerts, people played football. all you can see now is water and the tops of trees. another reminder of harvey's wrath. the rain has stopped but the misery far from over. harvey's impact on houston relentless. more than 13,000 people rescued so far. officials going door-to-door marking bright orange cs on homes that are clear. officials estimating up to 40,000 homes in one county alone are destroyed. >> about 100,000 is certainly not out of the question. >> reporter: with the death toll expected to rise we're learning what happened to some of those lost in the floodwaters. on wednesday a grim discovery. this white van confirming the deaths of six members of a houston family including four children who were trapped inside when the vehicle went under into the rushing waters. earlier this week i spoke with rick saldivar whose brother was the only one to survive.

days been like? >> a nightmare. just a nightmare. >> reporter: so many still missing. families here at the convention center separated from their loved ones gather at the missing persons table hoping to get answers. >> it has been challenging but also rewarding and we've been able to reunite some families and that makes it all worthwhile. >> reporter: 2 of 7 rescue volunteers are missing after the group was forced to abandon their boat when it crashed into an electrical pole. the group last seen together on this facebook live video. for others some relief. we spoke to fay mcdaniel on wednesday. she told us her family had no idea that she was rescued and that she's been ushered from shelter to shelter. what was the message you want to give them if they're watching it. >> i'm okay. i'm just ready to go home. >> reporter: just hours later after we tweeted out her photo other media outlets reported her story, her daughter rushed to the shelter and reunited with her mother. happy those two are back together. now, in many ways houston has

there is traffic on the highways, restaurants and gas stations are open. but also there are so many neighborhoods wiped off the map here and so many people in shelters who are reminded of harvey every single minute of the day. >> we're thinking about them. we have a busy morning. our parent company, disney's day of giving telethon is well under way and want to take a look at our studio upstairs. phones are already ringing. viewers opening their hears and their wallets for the people affected by harvey. we have a lot of staff members. we have a lot of celebrities that are going to be fielding the calls so you never know who is going to pick up that phone when you make that call and the telethon will continue throughout the day on abc, on freeform and radio disney and you can support the red cross by phone, text or online. text harvey to 90999. go to redcross.org/abc or call 1-855-999-give.

and we're also streaming live on facebook and on our website through noon eastern. logon to see who's joining us. while there you can make a donation. >> tony danza and a-rod. >> i saw that. so many have been saying what can we do? and this is a day where you can actually do something. isn't that right, amy >> that's right. we do have a lot of other news to get to beyond what's happening in texas. we begin with a deadly shoot-out involving police in sacramento. they were investigating a stolen car at this hotel when investigators say the suspect opened fire from a balcony killing a sheriff's deputy. two other officers were wounded but that suspect is in custody. a show of force by the u.s. military following another missile threat from north korea. u.s. fighter jets conducted bombing drills with south korea just days after the north launched that missile overjapan. president trump wednesday saying talking is not the answer for the crisis. well, the president says his plan to overhaul the tax code would, quote,

street. but during a speech at a missouri manufacturing plant he offered few specifics about that plant other than his goal of lowering the corporate tax. tributes are pouring in from around the world marking 20 years since the death of princess diana. mourners leaving flowers, photos and notes at the gates of kensington palace. her sons william and harry and duchess kate visited a memorial garden on wednesday. you see kate there wearing a poppy print dress and poppies are a symbol of remembrance. elton john posting a message saying 20 years ago today the world lost an angel and i actually think it's pretty fitting we have our day of giving on this day on her 20th anniversary because we know that's what was so important to princess diana. >> she was all about that. you're right about that, amy. so many people are affected by harvey and they're looking for any reason to be hopeful. well, at a shelter in the houston suburb of deer park, everyone stopped on wednesday to celebrate a birthday.

group sing to him, gave him a cake and volunteers at the shelter even gathered gifts for him. it was something for all the kids to take part in. i'm sure he's going to remember this birthday for quite some time. >> can't forget that one. let's go back to ginger now. >> after almost 52 inches you look at a map like this and say, oh, locally 6, remember, that can still do damage. east of little rock, nashville to lexington tomorrow. turday - drier sunday & labor day monday

to a hurricane today today: partly sunny. seasonably warm and a touch humid. highs: 81-85 winds: nw 5-10 mph tonight: stray shower or storm early. mostly cloudy. becoming breezy. lows: 53-59 winds: n 5-15+ mph friday: mostly cloudy. unseasonably cool. showers arrive late. highs: 65-69 winds: ne 5-10 mph >> this day of giving so important because i can't stress enough the flooding not done. we'll still see flooding this weekend in houston. >> so many people concerned about what's in that water, the trillions of gallons of water dumped in texas and louisiana. the dangers revealed ahead. and j.j. watt, the football superstar, keeps on raising the bar fund-raising for houston. wait till you see how much he's raised. when they thought they should westart saving for retirement.le

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report report good morning washington i'm melanie hastings. police have hands full dead low gunfire e rutted over night. search for a gunman after a man was shot and killod 13th and harvard street before 10:00 last night. suspects description is vague. police are looking for a woman who tried to snatch a child on a bus. the woman jumped on the bus at eastern market northeast and asked where the sen. year old's parents were. >> we are back to

quick break.

>> reporter: on the warmer side for the last day of august since summer ready to wrap up here, too. temperatures in the upper 70's. low 80s for dismaszal for the kids and tracking rain what is left of harvey will move through our area. most of that rain on saturday with occasional showers and a thunderstorm. sunday and monday for labor day is looking dry. temperatures back in the low and mid 80s. >> >> reporter: a few accidents mostly on secondary roads we are clear up in demask us on ridge road. i will show you the accident activity. as you approach virginia. for folks med

i76 it is a slow go all are open from the beltway and prince william park way and delays on the

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. buy 1 get 1 free on select small bags and variety packs of dog and cat food and save 50% on select dog and cat treats. this week only at petsmart. for the love of pets. welcome back to "gma." look at that devastation from hurricane harvey. entire neighbors underwater right now. 100,000 homes severely damaged or destroyed by the deadly storm and this is live drone footage of the buffalo bayou river in houston. that is near downtown houston. this morning is our day of giving telethon. it is under way upstairs in our studio right now and the fund-raising will continue throughout the day on abc, on freeform and radio disney. you can support the red cross by phone, text or online. text harvey to 90999. go to redcross.org/abc or ca

1-855-999-give. a lot more coming up in our next hour and our parent company, disney, has already donated $1 million. >> we'll be raising money throughout the day on that. right now we look at the possible dangers in those floodwaters. an astonishing 25 trillion gallons of water have fallen on texas and louisiana and people have been wading waist deep in them and experts worry about what may be in those waters. eva pilgrim brings us that story from pearland, texas. >> those floodwaters were just about everywhere. we're inside one of those homes that was damaged and the bottom two feet or so of the wall, they have come in and removed it. it touched everything. i want to show you what this water looks like. this is a bottle of the floodwaters that we got yesterday. here's a clean bottle of water just to give you some reference. it's clearly dirty. this morning we're learning it

also may be dangerous. brown, murky water flooding houston. local officials have been warned about the possible dangers. >> these waters are dirty. they carry all kinds of shall we say stuff in them so we've got to make sure we don't have a health crisis too. >> reporter: bacteria lurking in the floodwaters. >> the water is filthy. it contains sewage. it contains runoff from who knows what. >> reporter: the epa on the ground monitoring water quality. "gma" asking dr. terry gentry to collect samples in cyprus, texas, just outside of houston. >> i'm going to collect the water sample to test for e. coli. >> reporter: he collects two types of water. drinking water and floodwater. while the drinking water came back fine, the floodwaters, e. coli and coliform levels are concerning. >> we awe elevated levels of

and other organisms that could cause disease in some individuals. >> reporter: the e. coli numbers more than 125 times the epa recommends being exposed to while swimming and 15 times higher than the standard set for wading. >> we do see that oftentimes when there's a storm event, so if it rains a lot, we go test the creek river we may see le l levels comparable to that. what we don't see is the breadth of this. in this case you're covering square miles. >> reporter: the harris county department of health tells us the results in the report would be exactly as we would expect. with floods the waters in the streets can easily be overrun and contaminated with sewage, trash and displaced animals making it dangerous and unsafe. dr. susan whittier of columbia university looked at the results. >> so those numbers are really high. >> reporter: dr. whittier cautions anyone exposed to the water. the rescuers and

residents who had to be in it especially those with open wounds. >> getting out of the possibly contaminated clothing is essential. and somehow showering to try and, you know, clean your skin as much as possible. >> reporter: george, we're standing in the family's living room and they've removed everything from the room and put it out on the curb outside. and that's what experts tell you to do. if you can't clean the items, unfortunately, they will likely have to go, george. >> i believe that, eva. what about the drinking water? i think eva might have lost the sound. she's not hearing us. boy, you can see how long it's going to take to clean all of this up. >> you know, after a storm like that and if you have been evacuated. you want to go back to your home but you got to remember of all that's in the water, but it's just so hard because you want

go back to see what could possibly -- >> when you get back you have to take all of your things and literally throw them away because they're contaminated. >> what about j.j. watt, man, he is raising the bar on fund-raising. he's the man. his incredible effort to help those affected by harvey. come on back. how do you chase what you love with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis? do what i did. ask your doctor about humira. it's proven to help relieve pain and protect joints from further irreversible damage in many adults. humira works by targeting and helping to block a specific source of inflammation that contributes to ra symptoms. humira has been clinically studied for over 20 years. humira can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. serious, sometimes fatal infections and cancers, including lymphoma, have happened; as have blood, liver, and nervous system problems, serious allergic reactions, and new or worsening heart failure. before treatment, get tested for tb.

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harvey and j.j. watt, i'm telling you, t.j., that houston texan star, he's raised the bar. >> he is a three-time defensive player of the year in the nfl. what we would call the stud out in the field. >> right. >> it does not matter what he does the rest of his career on the field, it does not matter what he does the rest of hit career for his houston team, it will all pale in comparison to what he has now done for the houston community. >> uh-huh. >> reporter: j.j. watt, star defend defender is taking to social media to raise money for hurricane harvey relief efforts. >> it's hard to not be able to help. >> reporter: starting with his own $100,000 donation he challenged his followers to match it and raised over $500,000 in less than a day and after tackling that goal he raised the bar higher. >> i've pupped it to 1.5 million. >> reporter: and higher. >> $2 million. >> reporter: now after raising over $9 million he is setting his

>> everything is bigger in texas and raising it to $10 million. >> reporter: money is pouring in from more than 6,000 donors. on tuesday he told us it's the small donors making the biggest difference. >> the beauty of it all it's not necessarily big donations coming in, $5 here, $10 here, people from all over the country giving what they can. not necessarily big donations, it's really a crowd funding effort and that's so incredible to watch. it won't be a one-week thing but a long-term relief effort and it's cool to see how many are stepping up. >> reporter: some other celebrities also stepping up. kevin hart. >> my harvey hurricane donation site is now live. it's set up and shouts out to j.j. watt. >> reporter: sandra bullock and leonardo dicaprio and dwayne "the rock" johnson. >> we all want to step up to the plate. >> reporter: all making big donations encouraging others to do the same. >> keep in mind here, folks, he started with a goal and said i'll donate $100,000. can you all match

200,000, a million, 1.5, 3, 5, 8, 9, now it's up to 10 million. there's probably no doubt it will hit 10 million even as we speak. he's gotten a couple big ones. a million dollar from walmart but most of them 20 to $100 from a lot of individuals just wanting to -- >> it adds up. >> they trust him. that's the thing. he's such a likable -- j.j. watt said do it -- it's going directly to the cause. >> such an impressive. en the donations for our day of giving are already pouring in as well. in they are. when we come back, you're going to want to hear this incredible gospel singer who is lifting spirits at a houston shelter. she joins us live. infinity paint from hgtv home by sherwin-williams has complete one-coat coverage. and it's also stain resistant. how stain resistant? this stain resistant.

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y2gv6y yi0y we are back now with the volunteers who hit the perfect pitch, the perfect note to lift spirits when victoria white broke out into song at a texas shelter. her performance meant so much. >> 15 million views and counting. here's a sample of that powerhouse performance. ♪ we want to see let us see ♪ we want to see >> come on, y'all. one more time. ♪ we want to see y

yeah ♪ >> music can soothe the soul and we are thinked to you to be joined by victoria white herself and her volunteering partner marquist taylor at the shelter in conroe, texas. conroe, texas. it is so great to see you both and tell us, victoria, what inspired you to go there to that shelter and break out into song. >> well, our local shelter was at capacity for volunteers and so we knew we wanted to be boots on the ground and so we had to figure out somewhere that had space for volunteers and we found out that the shelter here in conroe did and we came to lend our gifts. >> victoria, we saw you getting strength from everyone around you. >> absolutely, absolutely. it was great to be able to interact and meet and encourage everybody who was present. >> marquist, a

go to other shelters. >> absolutely. there was a lot of loss but a lot of love so we'll keep spreading it all around. >> why don't you spread the love right now. >> yes, ma'am. absolutely. let's do it. >> let's do it. ♪ let the kingdom of heart be the mountain we're on the fountain i drink from ♪ ♪ or he is my song ♪ and let the kingdom of my heart be shadow where i hide ♪ ♪ the road of my life oh he is my song ♪ >> victoria and marquist, thank you. wow. >> absolutely, thank you, guys. >> what is your final message to people who are watching about the people who have been

>> the final message is that these people still need help and we encourage everybody to get out and serve, give, donate, monetarily that's what's going to be able to sustain the people. >> let's be the hands and feet. >> boots on the ground and we all have resources to give to help out one another. bless you. >> their example and gives and want to thank the many volunteer, emergency workers, troops and medical personnel that have helped the hundreds of victims at the lone star expo center as well as usher relief to thousands across the state with supplies. >> you can be a hero too. i'm here in our command center where our panel of celebrities and abc employees are feeling all of your calls at home for our parent company, disney's day of giving. the donations are already pouring in. we're so inspired. we have already raised well over a million dollars and the telethon is going to continue throughout the day here on abc. freeform and radio disney

you can support the red cross by phone, by text or online. you can just text harvey to 90999. go to redcross.org/abc or you can call 1-855-999-give. g-i-v i have e. so we're hoping everybody is exercising. there are muscles making calls and texts. >> did i see your hubby up there. >> he has rolled up his sleeves if you'd like to talk to andrew shue, you can call that number too. >> everybody doing their part. this storm has taken a tremendous toll on such a big part of the country. so many people need your support and the person who's really come through is j.j. watt. we were talking about him. well, he among others are really making a difference and we're going to hear from j.j. a little bit later this morning. >> thank you so much for doing that. meat lovers, extra large.

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at carmax, it's all about confidence. nothing but net. nailed it! or should i say, nailed it gov'nor. welcome back to "good morning america." you know, we've been talking so much about the flooding rains of harvey that there have been -- we've not been talking about the fires and there are 60 large wildfires burning in the west. this one helena fire in california, the california highway patrol showing us this really stunning video. this one is 1500 acres, 0% contained and unfortunately it is so not alone. it comes along with an excessive heat watch that's spreading all the way from los angeles and we're taking these all the way to the coast. hot in san diego up through san francisco. up to even portland. red flag warnings extend all the way through northern montana. a lot of the fires are concentrated from montana through oregon but my goodness a heat advisory is not going to stop through the weekend. a very hot one. could be the

we've ever seen and look at some of those numbers, 113, redding. this is for friday's high temperature. 107, fresno. by the way we are still talking all about houston and, of course, port arthur, texas, communities that need so much. it is our day of giving right here at abc, our parent company disney doing all of this. we've got the calls, phone banks open. you'll want to join us because all through the next hour, you're going to see fam

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>> reporter: good morning washington i'm melanie hastings with your top stories the woman caught on camera throwing her own urine at a bus driver is due in court today she was arrested last night for throwing body fluids at driver. it happened on an x two route in northeast over the weekend. >> a major deadline for business owner the they must move out or close down to make room for the purple line the line may not be completed until 2022. business owners need to make a choice. >> we are warming up for the last day of august. here is veronica johnson. >> today on the warmer side for the last day

wrap up. temperatures in the upper 70s today. low are 80s for dismissal for the kids. we will track rain what is left of harvey will move through our area. most of that rain on saturday with occasional showers and a thunderstorm. and sunday, monday for labor day it is looking dry with temperatures getting back to the low and mid 80s. >> veronica on the roads an accident called out for folks through west falls on 66 eastbound we have delays trying to get to the beltway on i squibbing. no incidents here is 95 a bit slow from dell city to the beltway a twik minute ride be alert. another look at the beltway. delays in montgomery 30 millions from i95 on the out are loop, melanie. >> reporter: you can get more news, trafficnd

good morning washington on news channel 8. we will see nu30 minutes, hope you have a great day

good morning, america. it's 8:00 a.m. breaking at this hour explosions at that chemical plant under six feet of floodwater. fears of a massive fire. sheriff's deputies rushed to the hospital and now as harvey finally moves out, the magnitude of the devastation becomes clear. entire neighborhoods underwater. more homes threatened now as many as 100,000 destroyed. more than 30,000 people living in shelters right now. ♪ i've got the heart of a hero and we are kicking off an unprecedented day of giving. banding together across the country to help those affected by hurricane harvey. will you make the call? from heroic rescues. to sheltering st

>> to acts of selflessness. >> let's take care of the people. that's the right thing to do and the way i was brought up. >> now the truly hard work begins to respond, recover and rebuild. and it starts right now as we say, good morning, america. good morning, america. and welcome to an important morning in times square. "gma" is kicking off disney's day of giving. we are all coming together to help those affected by hurricane harvey. >> and are we hearing from you. number one trend on twitter right now and all the guests giving of their time upstairs right now, answering your phone call, taking your donations, we're hearing it's very busy as people donate so if you're having trouble getting through, please just keep trying. we want to hear from you. >> yeah, we can go through this all day long. >> we've been talking a lot about j.j. watt and he's going

>> first though we have to get the latest from the storm zone. there have been two explosions overnight at a flooded chemical plant outside houston. clayton sandell is on the scene in crosby, texas. good morning, clayton. >> reporter: and good morning, george. that's right. the company says there have been at least two explosions at this plant five miles up the road here and that it is now on fire. however, local fire officials say that it is not an explosion. they are calling this an intense fire because they don't want people to think this is some sort of devastating event. they say it's a relatively small but intense fire in one of the nine containers where these chemicals are being stored but it's still very important to note that other chemicals could still ignite. now, about a dozen deputies were checked out overnight after inhaling what is being called nontoxic smoke. they're expected to be okay. but this is something the plant's owners expected would happen because the chemicals stored at this plant need to be kept cold and the floods f

power and all of the backup power, so now we have this chemical reaction and i want to show you some video that is file video, not from this incident but does show you, give you an idea what happens when this chemical gets too warm. essentially it spontaneously combusts and that is why everyone within "the $100,000 pyramid" of the plant has been evacuated but this morning officials say they don't believe there is at the broader threat but still lots of questions about the overall impact. george. >> i bet there are. contemplate everybody, thanks very much. >> glad the deputies are okay. right now more mandatory evacuations ordered near a reservoir in houston because of rising water and the situation is even more dire east of the city and gio benitez is there with that. good morning again. >> reporter: oh, robin, good morning to you. listen, as we come on the air we are hearing that heartbreaking number, 31 people dead so far because of the storm. and that number is expected to rise. now, i want you to take a look

here in east texas, because we are seeing so many people with private boats come in from all across the country to help rescue people stuck in those floods. that effort is still under way right now this morning and beaumont and port arthur are the hardest hit areas. we simply cannot get there by car so now in beaumont, the water supply has been knocked out. people may go without water for days if they have not evacuated yet. in port arthur an incredible rescue effort at a nursing home, 70 people, the most vulnerable, the elderly in wheelchairs, in bed surrounded by murky water. some had to be airlifted out. it is truly a dire situation here. these people have lost everything. so it's just incredible to see all of these amazing everyday americans come out here and help out. robin. >> all right, gio, thank you so much. all that devastation as you know and you see people that are banding together and it reminds us of the spirit of this country which we see time and

when disaster strikes. such as hurricane katrina, my hometown was damaged almost beyond recognition. what i took away is the incredible heart, the resilience, spirit and grit in this country when faced with such devastation. we get in there. we help each other. we help our neighbors, friends, complete strangers as we've been seeing in that region. it is a beautiful thing to see and to receive. so it is in that spirit this morning that we're reaching out to help all those, all those who are just in the beginning stages of dealing and recovering from so much turmoil and loss after this massive storm. we know it's going to take month, years to recover from this and we're going to start helping all those people right now and i want to say to all of you affected you're going to get there and we're going to start this morning. >> you're talking about grit before and your mom, she went back to your house. >> oh, gosh, i remember telling -- mom went back with

she had no idea of the destruction and that's the mind-set of people there. they're just doing whatever they possibly can and having grown up in the region where there are hurricanes and storms like that but you talk about seeing the good of people that are coming out that we've seen time and time in the houston and outlying areas these past few days. >> all week long. we'll need it. for many more months. coming up kicking off disney's day of giving coming together to help those affected by hurricane harvey. there are so many ways to give back to the people of texas. we'll tell you what they need in the wake of the storm and how you can make a difference. amy, what's going on upstairs. >> we have friends and family of "good morning america" all joining us to lend a helping hand answering phones, taking your donations right here. look, we have kevin noens and damond john working hard. if you call you could be talking to them and so many of our wonderful celebrities who decided to pitch in today. we will be right back. ♪

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♪ i've got the heart of a hero we welcome you back. we are right here, command central. we're calling it for our big day of giving. so many people from across the country. these women are nurses from the great state of louisiana who are visiting. yes. so many people are pitching in for all those that are affected by hurricane harvey. daymond john, kevin jonas. are you really working the phone. >> we are. we are working them. i just spoke to people from new jersey. >> we keep swapping it off. >> i spoke to jennifer in new jersey. she lost her house in a gas explosion last year so knows how it feels. >> so many are affected and want to help out from other storms.

>> great to see you. i saw earlier this morning, she said darby from "scandal." darby from "scandal." >> i know. how are you? >> i'm fine. >> how is it going? >> good. the phone is ringing off the hook and it's just wonderful. i mean i talked to this woman who burst into tears and she's like, our country has to stay together and we have to help each other out. it's very emotional for me to hear all these amazing americans giving to, you know, the victims of hurricane harvey. >> it's wonderful that you're giving of your time. you have to -- tony danza, he is trying to photobomb you. >> i was on the phone with jason who just donated and he said i can't see you. so i said robin is coming over. i'll photobomb. that's how i got in. >> bless your heart, tony. mwah. >> nice to see you. >> george, look who you have. >> already filled here. >> some great people have called. we have wayne, a retired gentleman who served in katrina and andrew, made a nice donio

a lot of calls. a lot of support. >> that is so good. we'll keep doing this all morning long. want to tell you also our parent company disney has already made a $1 million donation. so many more donations coming in right now and we want you to know also all proceeds are going to the red cross. we know the lines are busy. we know a lot of people want to donate this morning so if you're having trouble getting through by text or phone go the red cross website or facebook. robin. >> thank you so much, george. look at all around. roger goodell, nfl commissioner is here. we'll talk to him in just a little bit. it's just wonderful how many people are helping out and amazing to see how everyone is just pulling together but let's remember why we're here. harvey could be the costliest expensive natural disaster in u.s. history. early estimates put it upwards of $100 billion and the state of texas saying more than 49,000 homes are already reported damaged and we know that number is going to go higher. the governor adding 32,000 people currently living in

they even have a home to go back to. >> emergency preparations under way in texas. tropical storm harvey is expected to strengthen into a hurricane. >> flooding that could impact life and property. we could lose both this weekend. >> as hurricane harvey began its slow march towards the gulf coast, the nation held its breath. >> this is a sobering experience. >> are you okay? >> i'm scared. >> look at that car. it's almost completely underwater. look at these waves that are coming in. >> reporter: in disbelief we watched as cars and homes began to disappear underwater. >> came in at 5:30. before you know it it's a foot then it's two feet. it vessels the house like you cannot imagine. >> reporter: and shed tears with those who lost everything. >> we're pretty worried that woe won't have a home to go back to.

and i said, what? he said, your house is gone. >> reporter: but through the chaos. >> i want to check and see if he can climb out. the water is going on ten feet deep. >> reporter: and destruction. >> we need help. we need help right now. they got a whole family out there in the water. >> reporter: we witnessed the rise of the human spirit. >> good job, buddy. >> reporter: that ran deeper than the floodwaters. ♪ >> the emotion there is just palpable. >> reporter: we watched neighbors helping neighbors and in the face of mother nature's fury create a human chain to save those stranded in rising waters. and share their hopes with those in need. >> call or text me if you need anything. i really mean that. i'm right down the street and i'm right here for you guys. >> thank you. thank you so much. >> thank you. >> thanks. >> reporter: of course, there were tragedies.

>> behind me in the parking lot of this restaurant there's a body. >> we have an officer who went the extra length to show up in some very challenging times and is no longer here with us. [ baby crying ] >> reporter: but there were also triumphs. >> you guys have weathered the worst nightmare. now you have this. >> yes. >> what's that like? >> it's definitely the blessing that came out of everything. >> reporter: as the water begins to recede, we see the damage it left behind in cities like houston, rockport, bayside, seadrift and refugio, texas, but the one thing this tragedy made clear is the most difficult of times brings out the best in humanity. >> my objective is take care of the women and children. >> reporter: as people from texas and neighboring states volunteer their time,

clothes, food and blankets to those in need, it's now time for the rest of us to join in. and that is exactly what we are doing. such heartbreak and yet such hope as south texas continues moving forward in the wake of the storm and so let's go to one of houston's hometown hero, olympic superstar simone biles, record-setting gymnast joins us for a day of giving from the lone star state in the convention center there. hello there, simone. wonderful to see you this morning. how is your family doing? i know you were in your home there in the houston area when the storm struck. how are you and the family? >> yes, my friends, family and i were all doing good thankfully. it was a bit scary but we're all doing good, thank you. >> we're glad to hear that and i hope you can feel the love from all around the country and the world and here in our studio with this day of giving. you know, what does it mean to see people banding together to do whatever they can to help? >> yes, i feel like houston is on

the world so it is amazing to see everyone giving back, even people that have lost their everything in this storm. they're even coming and volunteering so that's super exciting to see. >> i know. they had to turn away some volunteers there at the shelters in the houston area because they had so many -- you have been spending a lot of time there. what are you finding that the people need the most right now, simone? >> yes, ironically enough people right now need the most is boxes and tape. they have all the other supplies coming in. >> okay. that's good to know. because we want to know what we can do and everybody has some kind of resource to give. you know, i think about when they threw a parade, they threw a parade for you when you came back from the olympics and now that you are there, you know, lining the streets and doing whatever you can, just let people understand the spirit of those from your hometown area. >> yes, i'm in this

we have going on, #houstonstrong. we all come together as a community. >> yes, i know. and you have that and j.j. watt, what he's been able to do. what you've been able to do. what so many are doing and we're just trying to do our part here for our day of giving. our best to you and everybody behind you and just give them our love and we'll be thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. thank you simone, so much. >> okay. no problem. thank you so much. >> you got it. george. >> thanks, robin. over here with dr. jen ashton. she is just back from houston and, jen, you really got a sense of what these families are dealing with. >> you could literally see it in their eyes. it's not just the physical pain and the physical devastation, it's the psychological trauma and shock and something we don't really pay enough attention to. easy to see when someone is physically injured. not easy to see when they're emotionally suffering so we know from previous natural disasters that ptsd which can start when the shock

be as important as the broken limbs and the infection. >> people need to know we're paying attention encouraging them. >> you know what, there are teams of mental health individuals, one landed from israel coming from all over the world to give people the psychological support they need. >> how else can people help? we're raising money here. kevin on the front lines all morning. there's another one. >> it's great. >> how else can people help? >> think of it in terms of hard assets and soft add sets. hard, the basic, shelter, food, medication, clothing, soft assets, time, support, money, jobs, those things are really important and specifically what can people do? i can't emphasize enough, blood, blood, blood. not just today but in the future coming weeks and months anywhere in the country that you give blood, you will save a life and then i think other things for texas, support the houston food bank, very, very important. giving to the texas diaper bank. i saw truckloads of diapers

center. and then volunteering your expertise. people don't always have to give money. you can give your time. that's just as valuable. >> such a big difference. one thing we're learning throughout all of these devastating catastrophes when people give they really get something out of it. >> it's therapeutic for all of us. we'll need that when hammers go away long in the future. >> thanks very much. over to ginger. >> george, our help here goes deep. look at the great folks behind me having a great time, right? yes, taking in the calls. artur row and amy, you know her as the voice of alana of avalor. a woman gave her last $10. >> her name is mary from michigan and she said that she believes what little you have to give, whatever blessings you have it will come back to you and gave her last $10. she has an aunt in beaumont, texas, she hasn't been able to get ahold of yet and trying to do the best she can. >> it means so much to so many and we actually have a message from somebody else that wants to help.

>> hey, matthew mcconaughey on the other side of the world, t. i'll be home in a few days to see you then but i want to send my thoughts and prayers your way. i know a lot of people giving you a lot of support and help right now through the devastation of harvey but i also know and we all need to recognize that right now you can take as much help as you can get. so on this day of giving i'm giving a shoutout to the rest of america to say, hey, let's ask ourselves what we can give. can we send a prayer. can we give our time, can we make a donation to the american red cross doing a bunch of good work. please take a minute 25ud and think about what you can give. these people are displaced from their family, they're displaced from hair homes, with the help we can give them, they can find some direction. they can stabilize their life and find out where to put the next foot because a lot of them don't know where to put that foot right now so in the meantime, and all types until we see you next time just keep living. thank you very much.

if matthew mcconaughey can't inspire you to give i don't know would can. a wonderful speech.turday - drier sunday & labor day monday - irma could strengthen to a hurricane today today: partly sunny. seasonably warm and a touch humid. highs: 81-85 winds: nw 5-10 mph tonight: stray shower or storm early. mostly cloudy. becoming breezy. lows: 53-59 winds: n 5-15+ mph friday: mostly cloudy. unseasonably cool. showers arrive late. highs: 65-69 winds: ne 5-10 mph well, look who i found over here. alex rodriguez, part of our abc family and i know this is especially a concern to you, what's happening in texas because you, of course, played three years with the texas rangers so you are quite familiar with the area. talk a little about how this impacted you seeing what -- the devastation we've been

and everything in texas is big, big character, big hopes, big dreams and i have a lot of friends there, talking to them. it's a horrific time but in andrew in '92, it wiped out our high school and came back and won the national championship. we built there. we'll rebuild in houston too. >> they need help. >> you've been feeling calls throughout the morning. what have you been hearing from people so generous and we encourage people to give just about anything at this point. >> amy, the support has been incredible receiving calls all morning from california to new york to florida, everybody is coming in, a couple of ladies were crying. the support has been incredible. we encourage everybody to come out and continue to help. every little bit helps even if it's five cents. >> speaking of support and help i know you and jennifer lopez each donated $25,000 to the red cross for the relief effort there and that is so admirable. we thank you for that and the people of texas, i know, thank you f

$1, $5, $10, those all add up. >> yeah, we need everybody. the energy, you know, texas is a very patriotic state, people like to come together and this is a good opportunity to rally and jennifer and i thought it was a great opportunity. we've been watching the horrific time down there and giving back even if it's five cents, every little bit helps in we need alex rodriguez's phone to ring. you can talk to him if you call in. we have ashanti answering the phones, as well. so many waiting to talk to you. >> your husband's phone is ringing. andrew is right behind me. he's constantly been on the phone. this is our day of giving and it is on a roll. we have taken more than 8,000 calls this morning. take a look at how much money we have raised so far for the american red cross going directly to everyone impacted by harvey and thanks to you and our viewers. see the guys from rascal flatts. gary

the phone? we'll hear from rascal flatts and j.j. in just a moment. come on back.

>> good morning washington i am melanie hastings with a check of your top stories. police have their hands full today. deadly gunfire erupted overnight in a pot popular busy northwest neighborhood. right now the search is on for a

shot and killed and columbia heights. it happened at 14th and harbor street just before 10 o'clock last night.the suspects description is vague. today a major deadline for several business owners they must either move out or close down to make room for the purple line. the new light rail line may not be completed until 2022. business owners need to make a choice right now. if they decide to move, they can get an average of $200,000 to help cover the cost. if they close down, that amount is capped at $60,000. we have more humidity in the air today. here's veronica. to tell a little on the warmer side for the last day of august and almost summer is about ready to wrap up to. our temperatures will be in the upper 70s by recess time today. lower 80s for dismissal for the kids. we are going to be tracking some rain with when harvey will open up in the area. most of the rain and saturday with occasional showers and thunderstorms. sunday and monday for the bo

looking try. our temperatures are getting back into the low and mid 80s.

good morning, america. this is dennis quaid. i'm also a houstonian. thank you to everyone who is lending support to the people who are affected by hurricane harvey. to be a part of disney's day of giving, please donate by texting, calling or going to the website on your screen. thank you. dennis quaid, a houston native. one of so many pitching in. you got john leguizamo. >> i know. >> how is it going? >> good to see you. >> a lot coming in? >> say what? >> a lot of calling coming in from all over the country, ohio, pennsylvania, new jersey. atlanta and people really moved by what they see on, y

old folks home. people sitting in the waist high water waiting to be helped. people just really their hearts are breaking? >> pitching in for disney's day of giving. we want to tell you how you can give. go to redcross.org/abc or call 1-855-999-give. >> don't give up. we're hearing that people are reaching out and we're so busy but to continue to try to reach us. we're here for you and tony -- >> photobombing you. >> are we blocking you again. >> darby, you know, we can't move you? >> take the phone right there. >> it's a "scandal," i tell you. >> all week long we've seen these inspiring stories of neighbors going above and beyond to help those hit so hard. rescuers on jet ski, teachers visiting shelters to read to kids. take a look at these hometown heroes. trk

teachers. musicians. >> it's crazy out here. >> reporter: what makes a hero isn't who you are but what you do when disaster strikes. and this week they've shown up in droves to help houston. they've come from far away like this army of jet skiers from miami organized by rapper zoey dollaz. thousands of children have found refuge at shelters like this one set up at the george r. brown convention center. >> they need something to do and need a sense of normalcy so we're trying to provide a safe space for kids to be kids. >> there needs to be experienced, skilled educators who can work with those children particularly in a very traumatic, very stressful situation like the one we're in now. >> especially ed teacher christie mcclintock stepped up to make sure all children are taken re

resources on the spectrum that might need help communicating. >> reporter: principal mohamed maroof came from kip high school. >> we are at the local church helping get some care packages ready for the families and kids who need it right now. >> reporter: and this teacher is volunteering with children staying at a local mosque. >> a lot of them felt sad about losing their toys and their belongings and so, you know, i hope that -- i hope that at least in the little time that we've been here that they were able to sort of put those things out of their mind. >> reporter: the spirit of resilience and compassion is shining strong in this community. inspiring millions across the nation to follow their lead and give. >> we should love for our brother what we love for ourselves. >> i'm here now with nfl commissioner roger goodell and we've seen some incredible efforts from nfl players and teams giving back t

affected by hurricane harvey and the work isn't done and, commissioner, thank you very much. you were just on a call. >> yes. >> who did you hear from? >> i heard from susan who is in new jersey who obviously went through this a couple of years ago and they all want to just give more and it's really inspiring. >> we have seen j.j. watt and other players and seen the league come through and now we know there was supposed to be a game tonight between houston and dallas and that has been called off but the efforts are still continuing to help people. >> well, they are and, you know, the texans wanted to give back into their community, j.j. wanted to obviously continue to work that he's doing there on the ground and all the players and the coaches and the team official, the owners, are all doing so much and tonight we'll have 15 other gapes and all of those games, each of those teams will be reaching out and trying to do what they can to try to support the people in the texas gulf coast region. >> i don't want you not to take the call. >> that's okay. >> will it roll over to someone. >> hold

>> go to someone else. >> someone picked it up? we don't want to miss that. we know the nfl foundation is doing its part matching some of the funds. >> yes, we did a million dollars, the texans have done $2 million and many of our individual clubs have also done significant contributions so we're proud of the efforts but people like j.j. watt are there on the ground inspiring people to give back is something that makes us all proud if what does it mean to you personally. >> you asked us to be a part. you wanted to come here. what has this impact meant to you? >> well, i think this is what makes us all proud as americans that we have times when we get to help one another. there are people in need and there's so many people as we're hearing this morning and talking to who want to help. >> yeah. >> and so for all of us this is a chance for us to give back and try to help people get through a very difficult time and come out on the better side. we'll help them. >> yes, and we've seen this time and time again. we saw that after hurricane harvey and what happened there and the superdome that was used

brees. i think you know drew brees a little bit. hey, drew. commissioner goodell is here with me. drew brees, everybody. thank you. >> good morning, drew. [ applause ] who dat. who dat. who dat. hey, drew, you know, in all seriousness you know firsthand what the people in houston and the outlying areas are going through because it's what you and others went through after katrina. >> yeah, it's a heartbreaking situation. what i've seen -- in our community band together and how a country can band together to help those and i would encourage everybody to do whatever you can just to do something, whether it's to donate $5, donate resources or your time. everybody can just do something to help the people down in houston then it goes such a long way. >> i remember being in the superdome for that

re-opened. you guys were playing the falcons and it was -- people, some people were saying, like all the attention was built on rebuilding the superdome when homes were destroyed and even saints faithful said they needed someplace. they needed someplace to g they needed an outlet and that's what sports and in particular with the saints beloved and just tell people how important it is to have that outlet in a time like this. >> you know, i think it's what it symbolizes. if we can rebuild the dome and bring it back, that we can rebuild this together and not only will we come back but come back stronger than ever. in 2006, i think of it so much. the experience in new orleans, they didn't have enough to rebuild their home or life at the time. the saints game to be a fan and actually meant so much to them.

i'm sure it will have that same effect. it's an outlet for people to bring them together and inspire them. >> well, you inspire us by not only what you do on the feel, drew, but off the feel as well with your foundation and helping and i know that your heart goes out to the folks in houston and the outlying areas impacted just like they went out to you in new orleans. so, drew, all the best to you, thank you so much for taking the time and joining us. we really appreciate it. all right. and a final button on this, you know, there are some people who say, hey, it's sports but it is something that people really need in a time like this. >> i agree, robin. i think sports have a way of bringing communities together and inspiring them and i think what drew did so much in new orleans which is he gave people belief that the community was going to be able to rebuild and it would

played a big part and the saints played a big part and we're all so proud to do that. >> and you'll a big part in what happening happening in houston, texas, louisiana. let's get to george and amy. >> thank you, robin. if you're watching on facebook live donate by clicking on the button below the video.

♪ i've got the heart of a hero and we are back here on "gma." our day of giving. i think we have j.j. watt on the phone. j.j., you must be so inspired by the incredible outpouring of support for what you started. >> it's been absolutely unbelievable. you know, i think that these difficult times definitely bring out the best in people and we are seeing that shown through to the maximum here. people from all over the world, people from all over the country are donating their time, donating their money and it's really going to go a long way to help these people in houston. >> j.j., it's incredible because earlier in the week you were blown away that you had raised $1.2 million. now you're near 10 million? >> yeah, we started out on sunday hoping to raise $200,000. and now we're at 9.2 million reaching the 10 million here soon. it's truly incredible to see what happens. i can't thank everybody enough who donated. >> the money kee

and how do you hope it's going to be used? >> well, to get out of the gate this weekend we'll go out and give supplies. right now we're filling up semi trucks with water and generators and cleaning supplies and baby food, baby clothes, take out directly to the people. i'll take it out directly to the people who need it the most and that's really the first stage. we want to get it going as quickly as we can to make sure we help the people at their most needed time. >> and, j.j., do you have any idea what $10 million is going to buy you in total? that's a tig amount of money but obviously there's a significant amount of need. >> yeah, obviously the plan has changed a bit from when we were hoping to raise $200,000 but now that we have this significant amount of money the plan is changing with it. right now the biggest thing is this first day is getting out and helping these people get back in their home, help clean their homes up and things like that then we'll transition to bigger phases and that's what we're working on rht

make sure we spend the money the right way and want everybody to know it's going to go directly to the people. >> we know you'll do it and follow through. congratulations. thank you, j.j. >> thank you. >> thank you, guys and thank you everybody who donated. let's keep it going and see how big we can get it. houston, we love you. we're all behind you. >> to ginger. >> look who is around me. the cast of ch"the chew." >> carla, look, everybody is here. some of the best food on tv and now bringing us some help. clinton, you talked to somebody quickly from? >> from pennsylvania, a lot of people have been saying that they went through a tough time in their lives and other people helped them out so they're paying it forward today. >> we love to see that. so glad you're here and walmart, we're so glad you gave - drier sunday & labor day monday - irma could strengthen to a hurricane today today: partly sunny. seasonably warm and a touch humid. highs: 81-85 winds: nw 5-10 mph tonight: stray

george, the calls just keep coming in. >> they do and we want to go to the woman at the top of it right now as we said, 100% of the money we raised this morning is going to the red cross. and we're joined by the ceo and president of the american red cross, gail mcgovern in austin, texas, right now and, gail, that's what people want to know. where exactly is this money going to go. >> well, first let me say that my heart goes out to all the people in texas and they have been impacted with such an incredible storm and i also want to say thank you, thank you to "good morning america." thank you to abc, thank you to disney and thank you to all the people that are calling. it's extremely heartwarming. the need is enormous. i mean, it is a big, big area that got impacted and we are spending money on meals as of tues

snacks. we had 32,000 people in our shelters. we are supplying them with cots and blankets, we'll be fanning out into the community with things like bleach and buckets and gloves and things to help them muck out of their homes. the need is enormous and it is so heartwarming to see how the american public just steps up whenever there's a need. >> it is so heartwarming, gail, thank you for your good work. let's go over to amy. >> our day of giving is not just happening right here in times square. abc's nick watt is in los angeles with some very familiar faces. so, nick, how is it going out there? >> reporter: it is going pretty well. this place has been open at our l.a. affiliate since 4:30 this morning. it will be open until 8:00 p.m. tonight and we've got a bunch of stars cycling through here. we have legendary choreography debbie

we've got chandra wilson from "grey's." val and maks from "dancing with the stars." we've got scott foley down here. is anybody not on the phones? scott, can you talk to me for a second. >> i have christine on the phone. i'm talking to "good morning america" and you're on the phone with me. christine is getting ready to give a donation. >> you've had 500 bucks, 5 bz, you've had it all. >> i've had it all. >> this will carry on throughout the day. back to you guys in new york. >> wonderful to see, nick, keep up the good work. coming up next, rascal flatts here live.

back now with our day of giving and good friends rascal flatts, yes. they have a new album out called "back to us." this morning you'll take us down memory road. it's a

that's been affected by the storm. rascal flatts with "i won't let go" and we won't, huh? [ applause ] ♪ it's like a storm that cuts a path it breaks your will it feels like that ♪ ♪ you think you're lost but you're not lost on your own you're not alone ♪ ♪ i will stand by you i will help you through ♪

♪ when you've done all you can do and you can't cope i will dry your eyes ♪ ♪ i will fight your fight i will hold you tight and i won't let go ♪ ♪ it hurts my heart to see you cry i know it's dark this part of life ♪ ♪ oh it finds us all and we're too small to stop the rain oh but when it rains ♪

♪ i will stand by you i will help you through ♪ ♪ when you've done all you can do and you can't cope ♪ ♪ i will dry your eyes i will fight your fight i will hold you tight ♪ ♪ and i won't let you fall don't be afraid to fall ♪ ♪ i'm right here to catch you i won't let you down ♪ ♪ it won't get you down you're gonna make it ♪ ♪ you're going to make it ♪ yeah i know you can make

♪ i will help you through when you've done all you can do ♪ ♪ and you can't cope and you can't cope i will dry your eyes ♪ ♪ i will fight your fight and i will hold you tight ♪ ♪ and i won't let go oh i'm gonna hold you ♪ ♪ and i won't let go oooh i won't no

thank you, rascal flatts. >> thank you. >> thanks to all of you. >> all the volunteers. have a great day, everybody.

>> money washington melanie hastings with the top of your top stories. dc police are looking for a woman that tried to sound warm child on the metro bus as he was headed to school yesterday. the woman jumped on the bus at eastern market street, northeast and asked where the 7-year-old parents were before trying to grab him. luckily, other writers prevented that from happening. tim act as part harvey the baltimore ravens finally preseason game in new orleans will be played tonight and you can watch it here on abc 7 and on our sister station news channel 8. our coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. and kickoff is at 8 o'clock. were holding onto warm temperatures today.here's runco johnson. today, a little on the warmer side for this last day of august and summer is almo

our temperatures will be in the upper 70s by recess time today. lower 80s for dismissal for the kids. we will be tracking some rain with less of harvey that will move into her area.it will move into saturday with occasional showers and then sunday and monday for the new labor day weekend is looking at dry. with our temperatures getting back into the low and made 80s. veronica, we have gridlock and congestion on the capital belt. as you drive through

want some inspirational stories for a change? you gotta check out the american dream. saturdays, 1pm, newschannel8 >> announcer: it's "live with kelly & ryan." today, from "the last tycoon," matt bomer, and we hit the velcro wall with "american ninja warrior" host matt iseman, plus a fabulous caribbean vacation could be yours if you tune in to win, and anderson cooper is our co-host for the day, all next on "live." [upbeat music] ♪ >> ♪ i'm ready >> announcer: and now here are kelly ripa and anderson cooper. [cheers and applause] >> kelly: [speaking ♪ distinctly]