Five Texas cities are under a flash flood emergency as Tropical Depression Imelda continues to soak Southeast Texas. The National Weather Service declared the emergency just after midnight for Beaumont, Port Arthur, Vidor, Rose City, and Fannett. More than 20 inches of rain had fallen as the emergency went up. Beaumont police are telling drivers to stay off the streets. They've had hundreds of rescues reported since early this morning.
ExxonMobil is shutting down its Southeast Texas chemical plant due to rain and flooding. A spokesperson says the Beaumont complex is safe, but not operating. ExxonMobil is also considering shutting down its oil refinery.