**Houston Storm Aftermath: Power Outages May Last Weeks Amid Heatwave**
Houston faces weeks of power outages after storms with winds up to 100 mph hit the area, causing widespread damage and at least four deaths. Over 900,000 homes and businesses lost power, with 650,000 still affected. High temperatures pose additional risks, as restoration efforts continue for the severely damaged power infrastructure.
CNN — Weeks of power outages loom for the Houston area as it grapples with the aftermath of a severe storm system. The storms, featuring winds reaching 100 mph, struck on Thursday, resulting in at least four fatalities and severely damaging the power infrastructure.
In Harris County, home to Houston, the storm led to over 900,000 homes and businesses losing electricity at the height of the disturbance. By Friday afternoon, more than 650,000 were still without power, as reported by PowerOutage.us.
Harris County Judge Lina Hildago, in a news briefing on Friday, indicated that while some residents might see their power restored in a matter of days, for many, the wait could extend to weeks. This extended restoration period is particularly concerning for those connected to the 10 steel power transmission towers that were toppled, seven of which are in Harris County.
The specific areas affected by the downed transmission lines remain unclear, adding to the challenges of the situation.
The power outage comes at a critical time as temperatures in the area are expected to soar into the 90s over the weekend, with the heat index potentially reaching triple digits next week. This poses significant health risks, as heat is considered one of the deadliest weather phenomena.
The storm claimed at least four lives in Houston, according to the mayor’s spokesperson, Mary Benton. Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Peña noted that fallen trees were responsible for two of the deaths, with another resulting from a crane accident. A possible fifth death related to the storm is under investigation, stated Houston Mayor John Whitmire on Friday.
Moreover, the Gulf Coast faces the threat of additional severe storms, capable of producing more destruction.
The aftermath of Thursday’s storms has left most of Houston’s traffic lights nonfunctional, and debris from damaged buildings and fallen trees has made many roads hazardous. Mayor Whitmire urged residents to stay home due to the dangerous conditions.
The National Weather Service reported hurricane-force wind gusts in Texas and Louisiana, with downtown Houston experiencing winds up to 100 mph. Major flooding in several Texas counties led to numerous water rescues.
This series of storms has placed a significant strain on Texas, prompting Gov. Greg Abbott to request a presidential disaster declaration due to the severe weather and flooding that began on April 26.
The storm’s impact was evident in downtown Houston, where it damaged buildings, knocked out power, and left streets littered with debris. The Houston Independent School District and several other school districts announced closures on Friday due to the widespread damage.
As the region braces for the possibility of more storms, a Level 2 of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms spans from southern Louisiana to parts of Georgia and Florida, with potential for damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. Flooding remains a concern, with some areas expecting up to 8 inches or more of rain, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Contributions to this report were made by CNN’s Monica Garrett, Eric Zerkel, and Andy Rose.
