Deadly storms swept through the Houston area, leaving at least seven people dead and causing widespread destruction. The storms resulted in flooding, blown-out windows, downed power lines, and malfunctioning traffic lights. Schools were closed, government offices shut down, and residents were advised to stay off roads and avoid downtown areas. Mayor John Whitmire signed a disaster declaration, allowing for state and federal assistance for storm recovery efforts.
The lack of electricity raised concerns about the possibility of heat-related illnesses as temperatures were expected to reach around 90 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend. More than half a million homes and businesses were without power, down from nearly 1 million affected by the storms. The Houston Health Department planned to distribute 400 portable air conditioners to seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers of disabled children. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo warned that power restoration in some areas might take weeks due to multiple transmission towers being down.
President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration for seven counties in Texas, including Harris County, making federal funding available for those affected by the storms. Emergency officials in Montgomery County described the damage to transmission lines as “catastrophic,” with high-voltage transmission towers torn apart and downed power lines causing challenges for utility companies. Centerpoint Energy deployed 1,000 employees to work on repairs and requested 5,000 more line workers and vegetation professionals to assist with the restoration efforts.
The storms caught many Houstonians off guard due to their speed and intensity, resulting in widespread damage to buildings, uprooted trees, and debris-filled streets. Houston Pets Alive, an animal rescue organization, faced damage to its facilities, but the animals were unharmed. Yesenia Guzmán, a restaurant worker in Katy, worried about getting paid with the power still out in her workplace. Mayor Whitmire warned against looting, with police and state troopers patrolling the area to maintain order.
The National Weather Service issued flood advisories and watches for several states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The storms brought fierce winds of up to 100 mph and a tornado touched down near the Houston suburb of Cypress. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez reported three storm-related deaths, including a woman killed in a house fire caused by lightning and a man who died after attempting to power his oxygen tank using his vehicle. The community rallied together to clean up and restore power, with efforts focused on assisting vulnerable populations, such as seniors and people with disabilities.
Overall, the aftermath of the deadly storms left the Houston area in a state of devastation and recovery. With widespread power outages, damaged infrastructure, and the threat of heat-related illnesses, local officials and residents worked together to address the challenges and restore normalcy. The declaration of disaster by city and federal authorities allowed for additional resources to be deployed for storm recovery efforts, highlighting the importance of community support and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
