Fast-moving thunderstorms battered southeastern Texas for the second time this month, resulting in at least four fatalities, shattering windows in high-rises, downing trees, and cutting power to over 900,000 homes and businesses in the Houston area.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid driving, as many roads are impassable and traffic lights are out. While the storm system passed quickly, flood watches and warnings continued for Houston and nearby areas on Friday.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire reported that the severe weather caused four deaths, including two from falling trees and another from a crane toppled by strong winds. Wind speeds reached up to 100 mph, with some tornadoes, reminiscent of Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Whitmer urged residents to stay home and only venture out if necessary. First responders are working tirelessly to address the situation.
Storms cause fatalities, shattered windows, and extensive damage across southeastern Texas.Gulf Coast states are expected to face scattered severe thunderstorms with potential tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds, while heavy rainfall is predicted for eastern Louisiana to central Alabama.
In Houston, hundreds of windows were shattered at downtown hotels and office buildings, with glass scattered on the streets. The state is deploying public safety officers to secure the area. The city’s streets are flooded, and there is a backlog of 911 calls.
The storms also impacted Louisiana, leaving over 215,000 customers without power, including more than 100,000 in New Orleans. Flash flood warnings have been issued through Saturday.
Minute Maid Park, home to the Houston Astros, had its retractable roof closed, but powerful winds still blew rain into the stadium. Despite puddles forming on the field, the game against the Oakland Athletics proceeded.
Houston Independent School District canceled classes for its 400,000 students on Friday. Flights at Houston’s airports were briefly grounded due to sustained winds exceeding 60 mph.
Around 900,000 customers in Harris County were without power, and officials warned of potential extended outages. The damage extended to suburbs, with Montgomery County reporting “catastrophic” transmission line damage and potential prolonged power issues.