"Hurricane Claudette has forced thousands of Texans from their homes, damaged businesses and caused flooding and power outages," said Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Tens of thousands of Texans in 11 counties were still without power early Wednesday, authorities said. Meanwhile, two families were grieving after losing loved ones to Claudette's rage.

Thirteen-year-old Clayton Dojahn died when a massive mesquite tree succumbed to high winds and fell on him in Jourdanton, some 56 kilometersmiles) south of San Antonio, local police said.

Likewise, in Victoria County, Sheriff Michael Ratliff confirmed the death of 33-year-old Sharon Bauer, who died after a huge limb from a live oak tree snapped and fell on her head as she went to inspect the storm damage.

Family members tried to resuscitate her, but she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Many residents were left with roof damage and Texans living in mobile homes were particularly hard hit. More than two dozen emergency shelters were receiving people left homeless by the storm, officials said.

The storm eventually lost strength and was downgraded to a tropical depression Wednesday.

TERRA.WIRE