Residents in parts of Southeast Texas are being urged to move to higher ground immediately as a Flash Flood Emergency continues in an area where rainfall totals have reached as much as 21 inches.
The National Weather Service is warning of catastrophic flooding in central Hardin and south-central Tyler counties as torrential rain continues to fall Wednesday morning.
Meteorologist Matt Lanza said rain totals are now approaching double digits-if they have not already surpassed them-in areas north of Kountze in Hardin County and just southeast of Lake Livingston in Tyler County.
"Rain totals approaching double digits now, if not over them," Lanza said.
And the rain isn't letting up.
"Torrential rain continues in this area for at least another few hours," Lanza said, warning that heavier rain could push closer to Beaumont at times.
The National Weather Service is reporting 10 to 21 inches of rain in the affected area, with additional torrential rainfall expected. The extreme rainfall is creating the potential for catastrophic flooding as already saturated areas continue to receive more water.
The Flash Flood Emergency includes communities such as Kountze, Village Mills and Honey Island in Hardin County.
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This article originally published at Up to 21 inches possible as catastrophic flooding hits Southeast Texas.