Weaker Hermine moves inland in Texas

MIAMI, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- A weakening Tropical Storm Hermine doused much of Texas Tuesday but would fade into a tropical depression, U.S. forecasters said.

At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of the storm was about 65 miles west-southwest of Austin, the state capital, the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported. Winds at the center were almost 40 mph and tropical storm force winds extended 45 miles from the center, but Hermine was expected to weaken to a tropical depression before midnight, forecasters said.

The storm was moving north-northwest at 18 mph. Forecasters said it would begin veering first north and then northeast later Tuesday.

Areas in the storm's path received a drenching. In San Antonio, a funeral at the Prince of Peace Baptist Church was delayed because high water around the church trapped mourners inside and kept the hearse from getting to the building to pick up the coffin, KENS-TV, San Antonio, reported..

The hurricane center predicted 4 to 6 inches of rain in most areas with a few spots getting as much as 10. The storm could also spawn tornadoes.

Brownsville, Texas, City Commissioner Melissa Zamora said power outages were reported in portions of the city, including University of Texas at Brownsville, Texas Southmost College and the Port of Brownsville, the Brownsville Herald reported.

Numerous trees and signs were reported down throughout the city.