PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Former Tropical Storm Edouard weakened to a depression Tuesday night, causing heavy rains and strong winds across Texas. Thousands experienced power outages, trees toppled, and roads flooded. The National Hurricane Center reported the storm downgraded after landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border with winds of 60 mph (95 kph). Forecasts predict continued weakening as the storm moves inland, but heavy rain and potential flooding may persist into Wednesday.
In the Pacific, tropical activity remains high, with three named storms stirring in open waters.
Storm Impacts Texas and Louisiana
Edouard landed along the Texas-Louisiana line, crossing over Beaumont, Texas, approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Houston. Beaumont city offices closed, and the Texas Office of Emergency Management urged residents to avoid traveling. Downed trees blocked roads, and traffic signals failed amid flooding, reported Beaumont Police via social media.
“About 32,000 utility customers lacked electricity in Jefferson County, encompassing Beaumont,” according to poweroutage.com.
Mike Gilbert, owning a surf shop at Texas’ Crystal Beach, closed ahead of the storm fearing dangerous travel conditions for employees. Edouard’s landfall northeast of his shop resulted only in gray skies and drizzly rain.
“You never know,” Gilbert remarked. “A sudden shift could alter the situation significantly.”
In Cameron, Louisiana, Connor Salvador, owner of a coastal RV park, reported fluctuating winds and rain. Despite potential flooding, Salvador expressed little concern, citing the community’s experience with such storms.
Intensifying Pacific Ocean Storms
Recently classified Hurricane Lowell in the Pacific maintains several hundred miles distance from Hawaii. Swells from Lowell are predicted to impact Hawaiian shores starting Wednesday.
“Dangerous beach and marine conditions are expected due to increased surf from this hurricane,” stated Andrew Hagan, National Hurricane Center forecaster.
Tropical Storm Marie emerged early Tuesday offshore southwest Mexico, poised to become a hurricane by Wednesday night. Swells from Marie will likely affect southwestern Mexico’s coast and the Baja California peninsula in upcoming days.
Elsewhere, Karina evolved to hurricane status on Sunday, powered by warm ocean waters. Upgraded to a Category 4 storm Monday, it’s projected to weaken soon.
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