Texas floods: Reporter jumps in water to help man submerged in his car

At least 74 people have been rescued from their homes and vehicles following 16 inches of rain in one day

Dozens of people have been rescued following flash floods of more than 16 inches of rain in Texas.

At least 74 people have been rescued in the Houston area alone, according to officials.

One ABC News reporter, Steve Campion, dived in to the water to assist a man who had just escaped from his car.

As the man's car started to sink, he opened the door and shouted to the reporter: "What should I do?"

He then asked if he should stay in the car.

Mr Campion shouted back: "Swim!"

The National Weather Service measured 16 inches of rain on Sunday night and is expecting several more on Monday, with between five and 10 inches of rain falling within just six hours.

Flooding has stemmed from creeks bursting their banks.

Local meteorologists said the situation was “life-threatening”, according to ABC News.

Courts, colleges, schools, offices and motorways have been closed off, and authorities are urging Texans to stay at home.

Representative of Texas's 22nd congressional district Pete Olson posted a picture of his submerged car, warning people not to travel.

News channel KPRC reported that a Flash Flood Watch will remain until 7am Tuesday in most of southeast Texas.

Strong winds and hail have also been reported, and power has been cut off from thousands of homes, affecting more than 121,000 people, according to CenterPoint.