Severe thunderstorms hit Southeastern Texas on Thursday, causing widespread damage and leaving four people dead. The storms knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of residents, marking the second round of extreme weather to hit Texas in recent weeks.
The powerful storm system resulted in downed trees, damage to high-rise buildings in cities across Texas, and left over a million people in Houston without power, according to reports. Meteorologists likened the intensity of the winds to that of a Category 1 or 2 hurricane.
Although several tornado warnings were issued, no tornadoes were reported. Instead, strong winds exceeding 70 miles per hour were believed to be responsible for the destruction. Houston Mayor John Whitmire urged residents to stay indoors and off the roads, advising non-essential workers to stay home the following day.
Tragically, four people lost their lives during the storms – two from falling trees, one from a fallen crane, and the cause of the fourth fatality remains unknown. The storms also caused flooding on many streets and severe damage to buildings in downtown Houston, with debris littering the city’s streets.
Due to the severe weather, all classes in the Houston Independent School District were canceled on Friday. Texas deployed Department of Public Safety officers to assist with recovery efforts in the affected areas.
