Powerful storms hit Texas on Thursday, causing four fatalities and extensive damage. Wind gusts reached 80 mph, leading to power outages for over a million customers, fallen trees, and heavy rain on an already saturated region. The storm system shifted eastward, prompting tornado watches in Louisiana and flood warnings across Mississippi and Alabama. Houston Mayor John Whitmire urged residents to stay home, emphasizing the danger on roads due to fallen traffic lights and debris. The storm also caused significant damage to downtown Houston, with large office buildings losing windows and glass. The National Weather Service warned of a high risk of excess rainfall in Texas and Louisiana. At least 11 p.m. Thursday, Texas had over 1 million power outages, while Louisiana had over 70,000. The severe weather is part of a trend of dangerous storms in the area in recent weeks.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott requested federal aid for 26 impacted counties, citing over $58 million in damages. The Gulf Coast is expected to face more severe weather into the weekend, with the ongoing tornado season being one of the most active in history. Over 780 preliminary tornado reports have been made nationwide, with Texas being the most affected state. Despite the potential for dangerous conditions, the storm system is expected to weaken by Saturday. Emergency management officials are on high alert, monitoring for flooding and other emergencies caused by the relentless storms in the region.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
