Texas Floodwaters Give Up More Dead Bodies

The death toll from flooding in Texas and Oklahoma has climbed to 21, as fresh downpours hindered the search for at least 10 others missing.

Torrential rain on Wednesday triggered new flash flood warnings for deluged the Texas cities of Houston and Austin.

The storms have destroyed hundreds of homes and marooned more than 2,500 motorists on roads.

Fifteen are dead in Texas and six in Oklahoma.

In Houston, America's fourth most-populous city, entire neighbourhoods were under water.

Sky News' Greg Milam in Houston says the extreme waters have receded, but levels are still high enough to create a surreal landscape .

Some 100,000 gallons of wastewater has spilled in the area after the rainfall damaged a water treatment plant, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Authorities took the precaution of evacuating residents around the Padera dam near Dallas as it threatened earlier to burst.

Further flash flood warnings are expected through the weekend, said the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

A coffin with a woman's body inside was found by a cyclist on a hiking trail in Houston on Tuesday.

Police suspect the flood may have displaced the casket from a nearby cemetery.

About 11in (28 cm) of rain fell on Monday in Houston, while parts of Austin have been drenched by up to 7in.

Among the missing are eight people, including two children aged six and four, who were in a holiday home that was swept away early on Sunday.

The house disintegrated after slamming into a bridge as it was carried down the raging Blanco River in Wimberley near Austin.

Inside was Laura McComb, who was on the phone with her sister when the property was uprooted.

"We are in a house that is now floating down the river," she said.

"Call mom and dad. I love you. And pray."

Officials say they do not expect to find any survivors.