Severe storms swept through the Houston Texas area late Thursday, resulting in four fatalities and significant destruction across southeast Texas. The extreme weather, characterized by winds reaching up to 100 mph and accompanied by tornadoes, left nearly 1 million residents without power. Houston Mayor John Whitmire reported that the violent storms downed power lines, scattered debris, and rendered many roads impassable.
Emergency crews began clearing debris and assessing flooding early Friday morning. Comparisons were drawn to Hurricane Ike of 2008, one of the most financially devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. Areas north of Houston Texas experienced widespread rainfall, with Romayor recording nearly 7 inches within 24 hours. The storm’s ferocity is now expected to impact Louisiana, where residents in New Orleans have been urged by the National Weather Service to “TAKE COVER NOW!” due to impending 70 mph winds.
Severe Winds Cause Widespread Damage in Houston Texas
As the night gave way to morning, the full extent of the storm’s destruction became apparent. High winds shattered windows in downtown Houston Texas high-rises, leaving streets littered with glass and electrical lines. The region experienced significant flooding, complicating early response efforts. Mayor Whitmire highlighted the similarity of the storm’s impact to that of Hurricane Ike, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo acknowledged the fear and danger faced by residents, emphasizing the ongoing nature of damage assessments. “We know many people endured frightening conditions due to the severe winds,” Hidalgo stated. She noted that while the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, initial reports suggest substantial debris across the area.
Continued Threat as Storm Moves East
While Texas grapples with the aftermath of the storm, the threat is far from over. The storm system is advancing eastward, with Louisiana now in its path. The National Weather Service has issued urgent warnings to New Orleans residents to seek immediate shelter. The city is bracing for potential tornadoes and damaging winds, reminiscent of the chaos witnessed in Houston.
As emergency crews work tirelessly to restore power and clear debris, the focus is also on providing aid to those affected. Nearly 800,000 Texas customers remain without electricity, complicating recovery efforts. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel while clean-up operations are underway. The resilience and cooperation of the community will be crucial in the days ahead as southeast Texas begins to recover from this devastating weather event. Significant Damage and Ongoing Assessments of the Houston Texas Devastating Storm
In the wake of the recent severe storms, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo reported that damage assessments are still underway, making it difficult to predict how long debris clearance will take. Initial reports, however, indicate substantial debris throughout the region. “Until we fully understand the magnitude of this incident, all cards are on the table to ensure we recover as quickly as possible,” Hidalgo emphasized. This cautious approach underscores the uncertainty and the comprehensive effort required to address the storm’s aftermath effectively.
The Houston Independent School District has canceled classes for its 400,000 students across 274 schools, reflecting the severity of the situation. Officials have also advised all non-essential employees to work from home if possible. This decision aims to keep the roads clear for emergency and clean-up operations, ensuring the safety of residents during this critical period.
Casualties and Power Outages in Houston Texas Storm
The storm’s deadly impact has been confirmed with four fatalities in Texas, two of whom were killed by falling trees. Another person died when a crane was blown over, according to Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña. Details about the fourth casualty remain undisclosed. At one point, power outages affected more than 900,000 customers statewide, with the majority in Houston Texas’s Harris County. As of early morning, the number of customers without power had decreased to approximately 825,000.
The rising heat and humidity pose additional risks, especially with temperatures expected to reach up to 91 degrees and a heat index of 97. This situation heightens the urgency of restoring power to prevent heat-related illnesses. Firefighters and other emergency personnel are working tirelessly to remove live wires and clear debris from major roads, while residents are urged to stay home and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Regional Impact and Weather Warnings
The storm’s effects have extended beyond Texas, with parts of Louisiana experiencing significant power outages as well. Approximately 215,000 customers lost power, with numbers reducing to 115,000 by mid-morning. Entergy Louisiana reported that around 100,000 of these outages were in the New Orleans area. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings covering a wide swath of the Southeast, from Louisiana through the Florida Panhandle, affecting around 7 million people.
Cities such as Baton Rouge, Mobile, and Hattiesburg remain under flood watch, with the greatest risk in areas expecting up to 2 inches of rain per hour. The weather service also warned of potential tornados and hail as severe storms continue to impact coastal counties. In response to these threats, officials have urged residents to take immediate shelter and avoid areas with high tree density. Social media posts have highlighted the storm’s destructive power, with videos showing flooding, downed trees, and damaged infrastructure across Houston Texas.
