Millions Across Texas and the Midwest Face Major Flood Threat From Powerful Storm System

• by Shimanta Das
• October 4, 2026

A powerful storm system has unleashed widespread flooding across Texas and the Midwest, putting millions at risk. The flooding rain soaked parts of the Southwest and Plains, from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to Nebraska, as record late-September tropical moisture—partially from the remnant of former Hurricane Polo—flowed northward into the nation’s heartland. The multi-day flood event ramped up on Monday, Sept. 28 in the Desert Southwest as deeper moisture from the tropics arrived, setting the stage for days of dangerous weather.

In North Texas, the situation turned life-threatening. A Fort Worth firefighter was captured on video lifting a woman to safety as floodwaters swamped the area. The same storm system spawned tornadoes that caused major damage to the FRF Estates community and the Gateway AP Travel Center, both in Valley View. On Tuesday, the severe weather also brought baseball-size hail, winds over 80 mph, and a significant amount of cloud-to-ground lightning. The dangerous conditions prompted major delays for holiday travelers at airports in Dallas, Atlanta, and New York City. American Airlines said in a statement, “Our maintenance team is currently conducting thorough inspections and will make any needed repairs.”

As the storm system moved through, power outages became a critical concern. Oncor, a major electricity provider in Texas, is prioritizing getting power restored to critical infrastructure, including hospitals and nursing homes that were operating Tuesday on emergency generators, according to Jenkins. The combination of flooding, tornado damage, and power disruptions has left many communities scrambling to respond.

Now, parts of the Midwest are under another severe weather threat headed into this weekend. Forecasters warn that some locations could experience extreme winds, large hail, and potential strong tornadoes. Large swaths of the Midwest remain under severe weather threats, and residents are urged to stay alert as the multi-day event continues to evolve. With millions already affected, the situation remains dangerous and highly fluid.