Deadly thunderstorms battered the Houston area, causing extensive damage and power outages. Houston Mayor John Whitmire reported that the storm brought winds up to 100 mph, equivalent to Hurricane Ike, resulting in significant damage, including fatalities. The storm’s impact included fallen trees, damaged buildings, and a crane that was overturned due to the strong winds. Authorities urged residents to stay home, as roads were dangerous due to fallen trees and debris. Flash flood and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for multiple counties in the region.
The storm left streets flooded, trees down, and buildings damaged. Shattered windows on high-rise buildings in downtown Houston and debris littering the streets were a common sight. Video footage showed water being blown into Minute Maid Park, disrupting an Astros game. Flights were grounded at Houston’s major airports as the city dealt with the aftermath of the severe weather. Over one million customers were without power in Texas, with the majority of outages concentrated in and around Harris County. Recovery efforts were underway, but officials warned that it could take up to 48 hours for power to be fully restored.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated that the city was handling a backlog of 911 emergency calls, predominantly related to gas leaks and downed wires. The Houston Fire Chief reported that the emergency services were responding to numerous incidents of damage and danger across the city. The Houston Independent School District announced the closure of all schools on Friday due to the storm. The region had already experienced heavy storms earlier in the month, leading to numerous high-water rescues, including some from flooded homes.
Authorities continued to urge residents to exercise caution and remain indoors if possible. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez advised people to be vigilant for debris and avoid unnecessary travel. A significant number of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure were damaged by the storm, as the city grappled with the aftermath of the severe weather event. The community was coming together to support each other and the recovery efforts, with officials encouraging patience and cooperation during the restoration process. The impact of the storm underscored the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
