Record rains flood central Texas by Steph Ball
Severe storms reigned down on parts of central Texas on Tuesday night and during Wednesday, dumping more than a foot and a half of rain, and forcing residents to flee to high ground.
The rain was said to be heaviest in the Marble Falls area, about 40 miles northwest of Austin, Texas, where up to 18 inches of rain (approx 460mm) is said to have fallen over Tuesday night. The deluge saw bridges and mobile homes being washed away, with dozens of people left stranded on roof tops.
Helicopter rescue attempts had to be halted on Wednesday morning when further torrential downpours and strong winds made conditions too treacherous. Winds of up to 100mph are reported to have hit the Permian Basin in west Texas.
Parts of Oklahoma were also soaked Wednesday, with rain falling in Oklahoma City for the 15th consecutive day, breaking a 70-year-old record. Flooding closed roads in central and northeastern Oklahoma.
Meanwhile in Chicago, streets were left flooded when parts of the city were hit by 3 to 4 inches of rain ( approx 75-100mm) falling in less than an hour.
Flash flood warnings remain in force today for parts of Texas and Oklahoma, with thunderstorms expected to give a further 2 to 4 inches ( 50-100mm ) of rain in places.
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