Texas evacuates an assisted living facility as flooding from Tropical Storm Edouard strands drivers and cuts power

Floodwaters from Tropical Storm Edouard stranded motorists and caused power outages Wednesday as the storm lingered over rural Texas, according to local authorities. About 85 miles northeast of Houston, Hardin County saw between 18 and 20 inches of rain over two days, far exceeding the average September rainfall of just 5.51 inches.

The storm led to downed trees and power lines, creating hazardous conditions. Twelve motorists had to be rescued from flooded roadways, two individuals were rescued from a submerged home, and around 10 structures were damaged by trees. Thousands remained without power, according to Hardin County's emergency management office. Meanwhile, Jefferson County was focused on restoring power after trees and branches were knocked down by the storm, which had wind gusts up to 90 mph.

About 22,000 customers were without power in the county, accounting for nearly half of the 50,000 utility customers affected statewide. The assisted living facility also suffered damage, resulting in the evacuation of 21 people. As the storm moved through Hardin County on Tuesday evening, powerline and debris-related sparks ignited part of a dead tree, which caught fire near Lumberton.

The storm is expected to dissipate by Thursday, while three hurricanes continue to pose threats in the Pacific Ocean. Hurricane Marie strengthened from a tropical storm off the southwest coast of Mexico, with swells expected to affect Mexico's southwestern coast and Baja California peninsula in the coming days. Hurricane Lowell, a Category 4 storm, briefly intensified to a Category 5 before weakening again, and swells from it are likely to impact Hawaii starting Wednesday. Hurricane Karina, another powerful Category 4 storm, is expected to weaken over the next few days.