Deadly storms left at least seven people dead in the Houston area, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. As the clean-up efforts continue, residents also face health risks due to scorching temperatures. National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Chenard warned of temperatures reaching around 90 degrees Fahrenheit through the coming week, with heat indexes potentially approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Houston Health Department has taken measures to distribute 400 free portable air conditioners and open cooling centers to help residents cope with the heat.
In addition to the heat, poor air quality could be a concern in the Houston area during the weekend. Heavy rainfall was expected in eastern Louisiana and central Alabama on Saturday, with parts of Louisiana at risk for flooding. The aftermath of the severe storms brought much of Houston to a standstill, with thunderstorms and hurricane-force winds causing damage to buildings, trees, and power lines. The destruction also included a tornado touching down near the northwest Houston suburb of Cypress. More than a half-million homes and businesses in Texas remained without electricity, with restoration efforts expected to take several days or longer in some areas.
The storms caught many off guard, resulting in tragic deaths, including an 85-year-old woman whose home caught fire after being struck by lightning and a 60-year-old man who tried to use his vehicle to power his oxygen tank. Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirmed at least seven people were killed in the city during the storms. School districts in the Houston area had to cancel classes for over 400,000 students, and government offices were closed. The Houston Independent School District Superintendent stated that schools would reopen once electricity was restored, emphasizing the importance of power availability for school buildings to operate.
The damage caused by the storms led to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Mayor Whitmire signing disaster declarations, paving the way for state and federal storm recovery assistance. President Joe Biden also issued a disaster declaration, making federal funding available to people in seven Texas counties affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding since late April. As residents and authorities work to recover from the devastation, assistance from state and federal agencies will play a crucial role in supporting the affected communities. The resilience and determination of residents, along with the collaborative efforts of various organizations, will be essential in navigating the challenges posed by the recent deadly storms in the Houston area.
