Authorities in Matamoros, Mexico, say much of the city is under water as Alex moves inland. The National Hurricane Center says the storm came ashore as a Category 2 hurricane, with winds topping 110 miles an hour. But it's weakened to a tropical storm over land, with sustained winds dropping to 70 mph. Forecasters say it should dissipate within the next day and a-half.
Drenching rains have caused severe flooding in the low, flat terrain around Matamoros. City officials say at least 400 neighborhoods are flooded, some with a foot of water. At least 2,500 people are in shelters, most evacuated from coastal fishing villages. However, officials say there have been no injuries or deaths reported in the area.
In Texas, officials closed the causeway to South Padre Island and 9-foot waves were reported on the island's beach. More than 1,000 people in low-lying Hidalgo and Cameron counties fled to storm shelters.
Meteorologists say the biggest threats as the hurricane begins to fall apart will be tornadoes and rain. Parts of Texas could get 12 inches.
Alex made landfall late Wednesday at Soto La Marina, Mexico.
Click on the video link for a report from CBS News.
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