The Piney Woods region northeast of Houston expects more rainfall, 3-6 inches on average with, isolated areas getting more. As reported by Tim Cady, a National Weather Service meteorologist, the Liberty, Montgomery, and parts of Harris County may get 2-4 inches of rainfall.
Storms Leave Four Dead
A dramatic storm stormed into Houston in the evening of Thursday and left at least four victims. According to Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña, two of the deaths reported were caused by fallen trees, while another death resulted because a crane was topped by strong winds. The Houston Police Department has started their investigations into the real causes of this death.
School Closure on Account of Storm Damage
After the storms, the Houston Independent School District has already closed all campuses for Friday, and is planning to reopen on Monday. In a severe weather situation, when the city was greatly damaged, it was decided to take this preventive action.
Tornados Alerts and Power Failures
Thursday evening’s strong storms prompted Doppler radar and tornado warnings around Houston. In the aftermath of the storm, more than 890,000 residents experienced power outages across the area as strong winds pummeled Cypress and north central Houston. The city service warned that restoration of power could be delayed because of the heavy damage.
In Cypress, the strong wind blew down some overhead lines near West and Fry roads, which worsened the power outage problem.
Downtown Houston Hit Hard
D downtown Houston experienced significant destruction, where broken glass could be seen everywhere around high-rise buildings. Ayesha Najam, who was on the 53rd floor of the Enterprise Plaza building, said the building shook and the furniture moved while the storm was occurring. While on crutches, Najam successfully made his way down five floors to safety.
Damage Over the Extent of the City
The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of up to 80 miles per hour in the area northwest of Houston at about 5 pm on Thursday. The storms, which went through Midtown and downtown Houston, removed trees and broke the power lines. Montrose area had been the most damaged one with the majority of trees stuck in the streets.
Several constables of Harris County were found removing flooded trees from the north Houston where floods were also reported on several streets.
• 1500 block of Ash Meadow & Rolling Creek
• 1500 block of Bodart & Rolling Creek
• 1500 block of Hamlin Valley and Rolling Creek
More Rains and Tornadoes Projected
Houston, and southeast TX, which are still recovering from recent flood are now getting ready for the rainfall again from Thursday late afternoon to early Friday morning. The National Weather Service’s Houston-Galveston office has announced a tornado watch for the area until 10 p. m. Thursday and a flood watch from now until 7 a. m. Friday.
Piney Woods area northeast of Houston is estimated to receive between 3-6 inches of rain with some isolated spots that will likely get even more. Tim Cady of the National Weather Service also stated that counties of Liberty and Montgomery and parts of Harris County could see 2-4 inches of rainfall.