Tropical Storm Houston Alert: Edouard Floods Cut Power to 56,800 Across Texas

More than 56,800 electricity customers in Texas were still without power early on Wednesday after Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall, as severe flooding spread across communities north and east of Houston.

Edouard weakened into a tropical depression after moving inland, but the danger continued. A flash flood emergency was in effect for parts of Hardin and Tyler counties following rainfall of up to 21 inches.

Edouard Weakens Over East Texas

The 10:00am CDT advisory placed Edouard about 125 miles north-west of Beaumont, with its centre 40 miles west-south-west of Lufkin. Maximum sustained winds had fallen to 35mph, with higher gusts. The minimum pressure was 1,004 millibars, while the depression moved north-north-west at 5mph.

The National Hurricane Center issued its final advisory on Edouard on Wednesday, after which the Weather Prediction Center assumed responsibility for further updates. Forecasters expected Edouard to become a remnant low later on Wednesday, but warned that significant flash flooding was already under way across East Texas.

Edouard crossed the coast near Johnson Bayou, Louisiana, at 2:20pm CDT on Tuesday. It carried maximum sustained winds of 60mph at landfall before moving into south-east Texas.

Flood Emergency Follows Extreme Rainfall

Radar estimates showed that 10 to 21 inches of rain had fallen across parts of Hardin and Tyler counties. The National Weather Service urged people in Lumberton, Kountze and Wildwood to seek higher ground.

The Weather Prediction Center placed five counties within its highest excessive-rainfall risk category.

The affected area covered San Jacinto, Polk and Liberty counties, along with Hardin and Tyler counties.

Forecasters warned that locally severe flooding could continue through Wednesday night. Edouard's weaker winds did not reduce the risk from heavy rain.

The final advisory projected totals of 5 to 10 inches along the storm's path. Isolated inland locations could receive up to 20 inches, although some communities had already passed that level.

Power Repairs Continue After Landfall

The figure of 56,800 outages reflected conditions early on Wednesday and marked an improvement from the total recorded on Tuesday night. Entergy Texas reported about 51,000 customers without electricity at 10:30am. Around 80,000 customers had lost service at the peak of the storm.

Crews restored power to roughly 25,000 customers overnight, and Entergy expected to reconnect at least half of all affected customers by Wednesday evening. Some customers could wait longer because of severe damage in their communities. Flooded roads and continuing storms also restricted access to damaged equipment.

Entergy said Beaumont and Port Arthur suffered some of the greatest effects, while Orange and Silsbee also faced extensive disruption. More than 1,800 workers supported the restoration operation. Teams used helicopters and drones to inspect damage, while high-water vehicles carried crews into flooded areas.

CenterPoint Energy restored service to about 10,000 Houston-area customers after Tuesday morning. About 200 of its customers remained without power early on Wednesday.

Road Flooding Forces Closures

More than a dozen school districts cancelled Wednesday classes because of power cuts and unsafe travel. Closures affected Beaumont and Port Arthur, while Conroe and Willis also suspended classes.

Polk County responders helped several residents leave their homes voluntarily. Officials opened an emergency shelter at 1103 Dunbar Avenue in Livingston. Onalaska declared a local disaster after reporting flooding across the city. Officials also cited property damage and power failures.

Water covered sections of US 59 and State Highway 146 in Polk County. Several farm-to-market roads also became impassable. Officials told motorists to check current road conditions before travelling. Drivers were advised never to enter floodwater or pass barricades, because water can conceal road damage.

Residents were urged to avoid fallen power lines because they may remain energised. Entergy also warned customers not to clear debris near damaged electrical equipment.