Intense thunderstorms swept through Southeast Texas on Thursday evening, causing heavy rain, destructive winds, and dangerous flooding in areas that had already been inundated earlier in the month. In Houston, reports emerged of blown-out windows, shredded building facades, and downed power lines as a powerful storm tore through the downtown area, resulting in four fatalities from falling trees. The public school district in Houston announced that all schools would be closed on Friday in response to the storm, which brought winds of up to 80 miles per hour and prompted tornado warnings.
Local news broadcasts showed considerable damage in downtown Houston, with reports of missing brick walls, twisted metal signposts, and blown-out windows. Flash flood warnings were issued across the state earlier in the afternoon, advising residents to seek higher ground and avoid flooded roadways. Videos shared on social media depicted vehicles struggling to navigate flooded roads in College Station, Texas, while strong winds were seen whipping large panel structures at Minute Maid Park during a baseball game between the Houston Astros and the Oakland Athletics.
The Weather Prediction Center warned that more than 12 million people across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi were at risk of excessive rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. Harris County Executive Lina Hidalgo noted on social media that heavy rain was expected to move through Harris County fairly quickly, but expressed concerns about the potential for flooding along the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, which could impact residents and lead to further flooding over the weekend. Parts of Harris County, including areas near the San Jacinto River, had already experienced major flooding earlier in the month, prompting Hidalgo to issue a disaster declaration to provide federal aid to affected residents.
The storm left more than one million people without power in Southeast Texas, with reports of widespread outages and damage to infrastructure. The destructive winds caused significant damage in Houston, where emergency responders worked to clear debris and assess the extent of the destruction. The storm also disrupted transportation and caused challenges for emergency services as they dealt with the aftermath of the severe weather. Residents were urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the storm had passed and conditions began to improve.
In the wake of the storm, cleanup efforts were underway in Southeast Texas as communities worked to assess the extent of the damage and restore power to affected areas. Emergency responders continued to monitor the situation and provide assistance to those in need, while local officials urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential flooding and severe weather in the days ahead. The storm served as a reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather events, as Texans worked together to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the intense thunderstorms.
