Deadly Houston storm causes widespread power outages, posing new risk of hot weather | World News

Deadly storms have left the Houston area in chaos, with widespread power outages and a looming smog warning as the region braces for scorching temperatures. The aftermath of the storms has left over 555,000 homes and businesses without electricity, creating a new risk as the heatwave hits the area.

The National Weather Service in Houston has issued warnings about the high temperatures, urging residents to be cautious during the cleanup process and watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion. The storms, which included winds of up to 100 mph and a tornado touching down near Cypress, have already claimed the lives of at least four people in Harris County.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has warned that it could take weeks for power to be fully restored in some areas, as multiple transmission towers were knocked down during the storm. The destruction has brought much of Houston to a standstill, with debris littering the streets and government offices closed.

Mayor John Whitmire has declared a disaster, paving the way for state and federal storm recovery assistance. President Joe Biden has also issued a disaster declaration for seven counties in Texas, including Harris, making federal funding available to those affected by the storms.

Emergency officials in neighboring Montgomery County have described the damage to transmission lines as “catastrophic,” posing a significant challenge for utility companies. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, with repairs depending on various factors including equipment replacement and workforce availability.

As the cleanup and restoration efforts continue, residents are urged to stay safe and vigilant in the face of the ongoing challenges brought on by the deadly storms.