7 States at Risk as Unprecedented Floods Hit Texas

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Flash-flood watches and warnings were issued across seven states early Tuesday as an unprecedented downpour of torrential rain triggered “extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening” conditions in Houston.

More than 30 million Americans were told to brace for dangerous thunderstorms — including flooding, hail and possible tornadoes — as meteorologists warned the weather that has centered on Texas and Oklahoma since Saturday could expand to other areas.

In Houston, more than 80,000 people were without power and the flood waters closed roads including Interstate 10 and Interstate 45. Houston was among 24 counties where Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster on Monday…

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Witness the Aftermath of Severe Floods in Texas

The parking lot of a Wal-Mart is submerged after the San Marcos River flooded in San Marcos, Texas on May 24, 2015.
The parking lot of a Wal-Mart is submerged after the San Marcos River flooded in San Marcos, Texas on May 24, 2015. Rodolfo Gonzalez—AP
A home was taken off its foundation after heavy overnight rain caused flash flooding on the Blanco River in Wimberley, Texas on May 24, 2015.
A home was taken off its foundation after heavy overnight rain caused flash flooding on the Blanco River in Wimberley, Texas on May 24, 2015. Rodolfo Gonzalez—AP
Dustin McClintock, Brandon Bankston, and Hesston Krause look at the destroyed remains of the Fischer Store Road bridge over the Blanco River near Wimberley, Texas on May 24, 2015.
Dustin McClintock, Brandon Bankston, and Hesston Krause look at the destroyed remains of the Fischer Store Road bridge over the Blanco River near Wimberley, Texas on May 24, 2015.Jay Janner—TNS/Landov
San Marcos Firefighter Jay Horton rescues a woman from the flood waters in San Marcos, Texas on May 24, 2015.
San Marcos Firefighter Jay Horton rescues a woman from the flood waters in San Marcos, Texas on May 24, 2015. Don Anders—Reuters
Lucas Rivas looks into the flooded Whole Earth Provisions Company after days of heavy rain in Austin on May 25, 2015.
Lucas Rivas looks into the flooded Whole Earth Provisions Company after days of heavy rain in Austin on May 25, 2015.Drew Anthony Smith—Getty Images
Gordon Welch surveys damage to the house his family has owned since 1964 along River Road next to the Blanco River in Wimberley, Texas, May 24, 2015.
Gordon Welch surveys damage to the house his family has owned since 1964 along River Road next to the Blanco River in Wimberley, Texas, May 24, 2015.Kelly West—AP
Cars sit in floodwaters along Interstate 45 after heavy overnight rain flooded parts of the highway in Houston on May 26, 2015.
Cars sit in floodwaters along Interstate 45 after heavy overnight rain flooded parts of the highway in Houston on May 26, 2015. David J. Phillip—AP
Hays County Deputy Constable John Ellen patrols River Road near by the Blanco River in Wimberley, Texas on May 25, 2015.
Hays County Deputy Constable John Ellen patrols River Road near by the Blanco River in Wimberley, Texas on May 25, 2015. Jerry Lara—EPA

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