Topline
Severe storms in Houston and surrounding areas Thursday night caused deadly damage and strong winds similar in speed to a hurricane, blowing out the windows of several high-rise buildings, causing flooding and driving rain through the roof Minute Maid Park, where the Houston Astros played a home game against the Oakland Athletics.
Key Facts
At least four people were killed and local officials warned Friday power outages could last weeks after over 800,000 businesses and homes in Houston were left without power after a severe, hurricane-like thunderstorm struck the area Thursday.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire said wind speeds from the storm reached up to 100 mph, similar to the strength of Hurricane Ike, which struck the city in 2008.
Two of the four people who died were killed by fallen trees, while a third died when a crane fell over, according to Whitmore—no information is known on the fourth’s death, and officials are investigating a possible fifth death.
The damage caused the Houston Independent School District—the state’s third-largest district—and over 10 surrounding school districts and colleges to close schools on Friday.
Further Reading
At Least 4 Dead And More Than 800,000 Homes Without Power After Severe Storms Hit Houston (Forbes)
