During a severe weather event in Houston, at least four people lost their lives, Mayor John Whitmire confirmed in a press conference. Two individuals were killed by fallen trees, one by a collapsed crane, and the cause of the fourth death remains unclear. The city was hit with winds exceeding 100 mph, causing significant damage. In response, non-essential workers were advised to stay home the following day.
Mayor Whitmire urged residents to prioritize safety and stay off the roads due to downed power lines and traffic light outages. The severe winds were likened to those of a hurricane, with nearly 1 million people left without power. The water system on the eastern side of Houston was also affected, requiring the use of generators.
Schools in the area were closed, and shelters were opened for those in need as the city entered into recovery mode. First responders were working tirelessly to restore order, with police patrols increased throughout the night. Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña warned about gas leaks and advised immediate evacuation and calling 911 if gas was detected inside homes.
