A powerful storm hit Texas on Thursday night, causing widespread destruction and chaos in the Houston area. Winds of up to 100 mph left hundreds of thousands without power, with estimates suggesting billions of dollars in damage.
Storm Brings Destructive Winds and Power Outages
At least seven people lost their lives in the storm, which shattered windows, toppled trees, and damaged homes.
Historic Impact and Human Toll
The storm’s impact is being compared to historic hurricanes like Ike and Alicia, which devastated the region in 2008 and 1983, respectively.
On Saturday morning, over 300,000 households were still without power, and officials warn that outages could last for days or even weeks. With temperatures expected to soar to 90°F (32°C) over the weekend, there are concerns about heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts and Safety Concerns
In response to the disaster, President Joe Biden has declared a disaster zone in parts of Texas, releasing federal funds to support local recovery efforts. Meanwhile, authorities are urging people to use generators safely and take precautions against heat-related illnesses during the cleanup process.