Severe storms struck Oklahoma and Kansas, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. Nearly 20 homes were damaged in western Oklahoma’s Custer County, with two people injured in Butler. A nursing home in the town of Hydro also reported damage. Wind gusts exceeding 60 mph were reported in many areas, with a 100 mph gust recorded at the airport in Salina, Kansas. Residents reported seeing funnel clouds and overturned semitrailers in Newton and Sedgwick counties. Schools were canceled in affected communities as cleanup efforts began. The National Weather Service issued warnings for more severe storms later in the day, with the potential for large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes in Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska.
In Houston, residents were making progress in recovering from last week’s deadly storms. Power was restored to the majority of customers who had been without electricity following the severe weather. The storms, which resulted in at least seven deaths, caused widespread destruction in the city, including downed trees, damaged buildings, and power outages. As of Sunday evening, 88% of customers in the Houston area had their power restored, with the rest expected to be back online by the end of Wednesday. However, more than 225,000 homes and businesses in Texas, mostly in the Houston area, remained without electricity on Monday morning. Additionally, over 1,800 customers in Louisiana were still without power due to strong winds and a suspected tornado.
Despite the progress in power restoration, Houston-area residents were advised to prepare for hot and humid weather in the coming days. The National Weather Service forecasted sunny days with temperatures reaching about 90 degrees and heat indexes approaching 102 degrees by midweek. The city’s residents were urged to stay hydrated and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses during the heatwave. Cleanup efforts were ongoing in the city, with residents and officials working to clear debris, repair damaged structures, and restore normalcy after the devastating storms.
In response to the widespread damage caused by the severe weather, emergency officials in Oklahoma and Kansas urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors until the cleanup efforts were completed. The storms, which produced multiple tornado reports in the region, left a trail of destruction that required immediate attention from authorities. With more severe weather forecasted for the area, residents were advised to remain vigilant and monitor weather updates to ensure their safety. Efforts were underway to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected by the storms in both states.
The storms in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas highlighted the destructive power of severe weather events and the importance of preparedness in facing such challenges. As communities worked to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the storms, the resilience and solidarity of residents were evident. Emergency responders, local officials, and volunteers came together to support those in need and ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population. With the threat of more severe weather looming, efforts were focused on mitigating risks, providing assistance to those impacted, and ensuring the protection of communities in the face of natural disasters. As recovery efforts continued, residents remained hopeful and determined to overcome the challenges posed by the recent storms and rebuild stronger and more resilient communities.
