2:30 pm 9/2/26
The Hardin County Office of Emergency Management continues response and recovery operations
following the severe weather that impacted our county. While conditions are beginning to improve,
flooding, downed trees, power lines, debris, and power outages continue to create hazardous
conditions throughout Hardin County.
CURRENT IMPACTS
Preliminary reports received by Hardin County include:
• Approximately 12 motorists rescued after driving into water over roadways.
• Two residents rescued from one home after floodwater entered the residence.
• Approximately 10 structures damaged by fallen trees and/or large limbs.
• One commercial building with extensive roof damage.
• Approximately 13,000 structures/customers remain without power.
• Several roadways remain flooded or impacted by fallen trees and debris, including locations where
power lines remain entangled in trees.
• No injuries have been reported as a result of this event at the time of this release.
These numbers remain preliminary and are subject to change as damage assessments continue.
PLEASE LIMIT TRAVEL
Flooding continues throughout portions of the county as water slowly drains. Please do not travel
unless absolutely necessary. Emergency responders, utility crews, road and bridge personnel, and
other agencies are actively working to clear roadways, restore utilities, assess damage, and return
essential services to normal operations.
Never drive through a flooded roadway or around a barricade. For current information regarding state-
maintained roadway conditions and closures, visit DriveTexas.org.
DOWNED POWER LINES & GENERATOR SAFETY
As cleanup begins, residents should remain extremely cautious around downed trees, damaged utility
infrastructure, and power lines. Always assume a downed power line is energized. Never touch or
attempt to move a downed line or a tree, limb, fence, vehicle, or other object that may be in contact
with a power line.
Residents using portable generators should operate them outdoors and away from doors, windows,
and vents to prevent carbon monoxide from entering homes or businesses. Do not operate generators
inside homes, garages, or other enclosed spaces.
REPORT YOUR DAMAGE — iSTAT
Residents and business owners who experienced flood, wind, tree, or other storm-related damage are
strongly encouraged to submit a report through the Texas Division of Emergency Management's
Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). As a result of damage assessments already
conducted, the amount and extent of the debris does not meet FEMA criteria for federal debris
removal, so we will not be able to assist with debris removal. Please make arraignments for proper
removal and disposal the debris.
Report Damage Through iSTAT
Submitting an iSTAT report is extremely important. These reports help Hardin County and the State of
Texas develop an accurate picture of the extent of damage throughout our community and support
ongoing damage assessment and recovery efforts.
The Hardin County Office of Emergency Management asks everyone to remain patient, stay alert to
changing conditions, avoid unnecessary travel, and give emergency responders, road crews, and utility
personnel room to work.
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