Houston storms result in 4 fatalities and power outages for 900,000 properties

Severe thunderstorms with hurricane-force winds wreaked havoc in Houston, leaving nearly 1 million homes and businesses without power. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo warned that the power outages could last for weeks, not days, as crews scrambled to restore electricity and clear debris.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirmed the tragic news of four to five fatalities caused by the storms, which swept through Harris County, including Houston. The cleanup process was expected to be slow, with some residents facing the prospect of being without power for an extended period.

The aftermath of the storms painted a grim picture of destruction in Houston. Hundreds of windows were shattered in downtown buildings, fallen trees and power lines littered the streets, making some areas impassable. The city urged residents to stay off roads due to flooding and malfunctioning traffic lights.

Neighboring Louisiana also felt the brunt of the powerful storms, with over 215,000 customers losing power. Reports of tornadoes, downed trees, and damaged homes emerged from various areas, highlighting the widespread impact of the severe weather.

As the cleanup efforts continued, officials warned of the possibility of more severe weather, including tornadoes and heavy rainfall, in the Gulf Coast states. The situation remained precarious, with flood watches and warnings in effect for Houston and surrounding areas.

Despite the challenges, the resilience of the community shone through as emergency responders worked tirelessly to restore normalcy in the wake of the devastating storms. The road to recovery would be long, but the spirit of unity and determination in the face of adversity was evident in the efforts to rebuild and recover from the natural disaster.