The storm that hit Houston caught many residents by surprise, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This storm, with wind speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, resulted in the deaths of four people and left about a million on the Gulf Coast without power. Trees were uprooted, stop signs were bent, and billboards were flattened in the aftermath of the storm. The city’s top officials put aside their differences to address the situation, highlighting the severity of the storm.
Residents described the storm as chaotic, with horizontal rain and swirling debris making it seem as though a tornado had passed through. Many were left without power, resorting to citronella candles for light and dealing with swarms of mosquitoes. The damage was extensive, with buildings destroyed and trees ripped from their roots. Houstonians were reminded of past disasters such as Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Harvey as they worked together to clear debris and help those in need.
With city services overwhelmed, neighbors came together to offer assistance to one another. Chain saws were used to clear fallen trees, and those with power offered their refrigerators to those without. Drivers, usually aggressive on Houston’s highways, became courteous at the darkened intersections, taking turns and navigating the city’s streets as power outages lingered. Lines formed at gas stations and local shops that were open, offering much-needed comfort food to residents.
Many residents worried about the impending heat wave over the weekend, as temperatures were expected to reach 90 degrees with a heat index near 100. With groceries quickly spoiling due to power outages, some residents expressed concern about the loss of food, particularly those on fixed incomes. The storm’s impact was visible in the destruction it caused, including a fallen tree that tragically killed a woman in her driveway. Neighbors came together to create a makeshift memorial, honoring the woman who lost her life in the storm.
Million-dollar homes and old bungalows alike were damaged by the storm, with trees crashing down on properties throughout Houston. Even as families dealt with the aftermath of the storm, there was a sense of resilience and determination to rebuild. Workers were seen using chainsaws and machetes to clear fallen trees and debris, with one worker’s optimism shining through as he compared the storm’s impact to the volcanic activity in his home country of Guatemala. Despite the devastation, the spirit of community and the willingness to help one another prevailed in the wake of the storm.
