Former Tropical Storm Edouard Brings Heavy Rain and Wind to Texas

Port Arthur, Texas — Former Tropical Storm Edouard weakened into a depression on Tuesday night, unleashing heavy rains and strong winds across parts of Texas. Thousands faced power outages, trees toppled, and roads flooded. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) when it made landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Forecasters predict the storm will continue to weaken as it moves inland, yet heavy rains and potential flooding are expected until Wednesday. Edouard might produce 3 to 7 inches (8 to 17 centimeters) of rain, with some areas potentially seeing up to 12 inches (30 centimeters).

Storm Impact

As Edouard’s center passed over Beaumont, Texas, city offices closed, and residents were advised by the Texas Office of Emergency Management to avoid roads. Beaumont Police reported downed trees blocking roads, non-functioning traffic signals, and flooded underpasses.

Approximately 32,000 utility customers in Jefferson County, including Beaumont, experienced power outages, per poweroutage.com. Mike Gilbert, a surf shop owner on Texas’ Crystal Beach, chose to close his business to protect employees but saw only gray skies and drizzly rain. He noted the unpredictability of storms, as they can change direction and intensity.

In Cameron, Louisiana, winds picked up, and intermittent rain occurred. Connor Salvador, an RV park owner in the area, expressed minimal concern over Edouard’s impact, noting local familiarity with such storms.

Tropical Activity in the Pacific Ocean

Meanwhile, the Pacific Ocean experienced a surge in tropical activity with three named storms. Newly formed Hurricane Lowell is expected to remain distant from Hawaii for several days, though swells from the hurricane could affect island shores starting Wednesday.

“This hurricane is likely to increase the surf and make for dangerous beach conditions and marine conditions for any boaters near the Hawaiian islands over the next few days,” said Andrew Hagan, a forecaster with the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Storm Marie emerged offshore of southwest Mexico, anticipated to become a hurricane by Wednesday night. Swells from Marie might affect southwestern Mexico and the Baja California peninsula.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Karina became a Category 4 storm but is expected to weaken. It gained strength due to warm waters but remains far from shore.