Severe Thunderstorms Leave Devastation in Houston: Four Dead, One Million Without Power

A destructive storm system wreaked havoc in Houston, Texas, as fast-moving thunderstorms left a trail of devastation in their wake. The storms, which hit the area for the second time this month, resulted in at least four fatalities and more than one million power outages.

Officials in Houston urged residents to stay off the roads following the relentless storms that caused flooding, downed trees, and blown-out windows in high-rise buildings. The rapid-moving storm system continued to pose a flood threat, with flood watches and warnings issued for Houston and neighboring areas.

The Mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, confirmed the tragic loss of four lives during the severe weather outbreak. The fatalities included individuals struck by falling trees and a crane that was overturned by strong winds. The city faced wind speeds of up to 100 mph, with some tornado activity reported.

As the storm plowed through Houston, hundreds of shattered windows littered the streets of downtown hotels and office buildings. The state authorities dispatched officers from the Department of Public Safety to secure the affected areas, with downtown Houston bearing the brunt of the storm’s impact.

Following the destructive storms, over 215,000 customers were left without power in Louisiana, with more than 100,000 customers in the New Orleans area affected. Reports of tornado activity and significant wind damage emerged from Convent, Louisiana, located 55 miles from New Orleans.

The relentless storm system also caused disruptions at major airports, with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph recorded at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The power outages in Texas and Louisiana prompted a massive mobilization of resources to address the aftermath of the severe weather event.

With schools closed and emergency personnel working tirelessly to restore order, the impacted regions are bracing for potential widespread damage assessment. The communities in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and beyond are grappling with the aftermath of the powerful thunderstorms that swept through the Gulf Coast states.