Deadly storms struck the Houston area, leaving at least seven people dead and causing widespread destruction. Three people died during the storm, including an 85-year-old woman whose home caught fire after being struck by lightning. A 60-year-old man died while trying to use his vehicle to power his oxygen tank. The National Weather Service issued flood advisories and watches for parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. As the region works to clean up and restore power to thousands, it faces the challenge of a smog warning and rising temperatures, with the possibility of heat-related illnesses due to lack of electricity.
With temperatures expected to reach around 90 degrees over the weekend, the National Weather Service warned people to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion during cleanup efforts. More than half a million homes and businesses remained without electricity on Saturday morning, down from nearly 1 million. Fierce storms on Thursday caused significant damage, with winds of up to 100 mph and a tornado touching down near a Houston suburb. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo stated that it could take weeks for power to be fully restored in some areas due to multiple transmission towers being down.
The widespread destruction brought much of Houston to a standstill, with trees, debris, and shattered glass littering the streets. School districts canceled classes for over 400,000 students, and government offices were closed. City officials urged people to stay off roads, many of which were flooded or littered with downed power lines. Mayor John Whitmire warned of police presence to prevent looting. Noelle Delgado, executive director of Houston Pets Alive, described the storm as terrifying and hoped to find foster homes for their animals. Yesenia Guzmán, a restaurant worker, expressed concern about getting paid while the power was still out.
Whitmire signed a disaster declaration, opening the way for state and federal aid to assist with storm recovery efforts. President Joe Biden also issued a disaster declaration for seven Texas counties affected by severe weather since April 26. Emergency officials in Montgomery County described the damage to transmission lines as catastrophic, with high-voltage towers and power lines torn apart. Repair efforts depend on various factors, including damage assessment, equipment replacement, roadwork access issues, and workforce availability. Centerpoint Energy deployed thousands of workers to assist with repairs, and federal funding is available for those affected by the storms.
The aftermath of the storms left residents facing challenges such as lack of power, damage to infrastructure, and concerns about safety and recovery. Community efforts, such as distributing portable air conditioners to vulnerable populations, are underway to assist those in need. The quick and intense nature of the storm caught many residents off guard, leading to widespread damage and disruption. As recovery efforts continue, coordination between local, state, and federal authorities will be essential in providing support and resources to those affected by the storms. The long-term impact of the severe weather on the region remains to be seen, but efforts are underway to address immediate needs and begin the process of rebuilding and restoration.
