Tropical Storm Edouard leaves Texas communities flooded and without power

Heavy rains from the former tropical storm dumped up to 20 inches in parts of Hardin County, causing flooding and widespread power outages. Emergency crews rescued stranded motorists and evacuated an assisted living facility. The storm weakened to a depression but continues to threaten eastern Texas through Thursday morning.

The storm's rainfall totals in Hardin County—roughly 20 inches over two days—far exceeded the area's typical September precipitation of about 5.5 inches. Emergency crews conducted multiple rescues, including 12 stranded motorists, two residents from a flooded home, and 21 people evacuated from a damaged assisted living facility. Roughly 10 structures were struck by falling trees.

Jefferson County faced the brunt of the wind, with gusts reaching 90 mph, toppling trees and powerlines. About 22,000 customers there remained without electricity, representing nearly half of the 50,000 outages reported statewide. Schools and municipal offices closed across the region near the Louisiana border, and officials urged residents to remain home. The storm was expected to dissipate Thursday.