Houston hit by deadly storms, at least seven killed
Widespread flooding and power outages reported
Residents urged to monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to evacuate
At least seven people were killed in the Houston area on Thursday as a destructive complex of storms with winds up to 100 mph tore through the region, causing widespread flooding and power outages.
The storms dumped 3 to 6 inches of rain across the Houston area, with some areas receiving as much as 6.9 inches in 24 hours. The heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, stranding motorists and forcing the closure of several roads.
More than 200,000 homes and businesses were without power at the height of the storm, and some areas remained without power on Friday. Crews were working to restore power as quickly as possible, but some residents could be without power for several days.
The City of Houston opened cooling centers for residents on Friday, as temperatures were expected to soar into the 90s. Residents were urged to stay indoors and avoid driving unless necessary.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the Houston area through Friday evening. Residents are urged to monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
The storms are the latest in a series of severe weather events that have hit the Houston area in recent weeks. In May, a tornado outbreak caused widespread damage in the city and surrounding areas. And in April, a severe thunderstorm caused flooding and power outages in the area.
The Houston area is no stranger to severe weather, and residents are urged to be prepared for all types of weather events. By monitoring weather forecasts and following the advice of local officials, residents can help stay safe during severe weather.
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