Livingston, Texas—Texas authorities rescued dozens of people from stranded cars, flooded homes and an assisted living facility Wednesday. Former Tropical Storm Edouard lingered over rural areas and dumped nearly two feet of rain.
The National Weather Service warned that heavy rains from the weakened tropical depression would continue to threaten eastern Texas through Thursday morning. The system remains slow-moving, keeping precipitation over the region for several more hours.
In the Pacific Ocean, two hurricanes and a strengthening tropical storm churned in open water, signaling persistent tropical activity. Forecasters expect the storms to maintain their intensity for days.
Hardin County, about 85 miles northeast of Houston, faced hazardous conditions from flooding, downed trees and powerlines, debris and widespread power outages. The storm’s lingering moisture kept roads impassable and infrastructure damaged.
Between 18 and 20 inches of rain fell in parts of Hardin County over the last two days, far exceeding the September average of 5.51 inches, said meteorologist Nick Slaughter of the National Weather Service. The deluge underscores the storm’s extreme rainfall totals.
Schools and municipal offices across the region near the Louisiana border closed, and officials urged residents to stay home. Authorities said the closures are precautionary while conditions persist.
Edouard Downs Trees, Floods Roads and Leaves Drivers Stranded
Hardin County’s emergency management reported 12 motorists rescued from flooded roadways, two people rescued from a flooded home, about 10 structures damaged by falling trees and thousands still without power. The rescues highlight the dangerous driving conditions caused by the storm.
In Jefferson County, emergency coordinator Robert Grimm said wind gusts up to 90 mph knocked down trees and limbs, leaving about 22,000 of the county’s 50,000 utility customers without power, nearly half of the 50,000 statewide outages. Restoration crews are working around the clock to restore service.
Grady Leger described a powerline falling near his Lumberton home on Tuesday evening, causing sparks that ignited a dead tree. He said the fire quickly spread to nearby vegetation.
An assisted living facility in Hardin County sustained damage and 21 residents were evacuated, with Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens assisting in the response, as photos showed officials wading through thigh‑deep water. The swift evacuation protected the occupants from rising floodwaters.
Edouard is forecast to dissipate by Thursday. Meteorologists say the system will lose tropical characteristics soon.
3 Hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean
Tropical Storm Marie intensified into a hurricane Wednesday evening, located about 375 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, according to the National Hurricane Center. The upgrade reflects strengthening winds and organized convection.
Maximum sustained winds reached 80 mph, the Miami‑based hurricane center reported. The advisory places the storm well above hurricane strength thresholds.
Hurricane Lowell strengthened to a Category 5 storm hundreds of miles south of Hawaii and is expected to remain powerful for several days, with swells beginning to affect the Hawaiian islands on Wednesday. Authorities warn residents to prepare for rough surf and potential coastal impacts.
Hurricane Karina, a Category 4 storm, also strengthened in the Pacific and is projected to weaken over the coming days. Forecasters anticipate a gradual decay of the system as it moves westward.
