Astros Parade Drawing More Than Half A Million: Report

HOUSTON, TX — Minutes before the start of the Houston Astros celebration parade, reports have surfaced that more than a half million people have already crammed the streets to cheer their team. Many folks are riding the METRO train that's packed to the gills.

So many Houston Astros fans showed up so early for today's parade to celebrate the World Series champs that the city extended the parade route by a couple of blocks. The southern portion of the the route has moved from Pease Street two blocks south to St. Joseph's.

The parade will begin at 2 p.m. at Smith and Lamar streets. It will move north on Smith Street, east on Walker Street, south on Milam Street, west on St. Joseph's Street, north on Smith Street again and end at Lamar Street. The final celebration will take place at City Hall. Fans are asked to turn the town orange, but also dress comfortably and bring water.

The parade staging area between Smith and I-45 underpass on outbound Allen Parkway will close to traffic at noon. Allen Parkway inbound at Taft will be closed at 1 p.m. The McKinney exit off 1-45 South will be closed at 1 p.m., and the Allen Parkway exit off I-45 South will remain open.

"It's a true privilege to proudly host this magnificent salute to our hometown team that has earned history," said Houston Mayor Turner. "As we bounce back from Hurricane Harvey, we are more than ready to welcome our heroes home in proper form."

Image: Houston Astros fans celebrate before a parade honoring the World Series baseball champions, Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)