Houston Storms Kill Seven, Leave Hundreds of Thousands Without Power Amid Heat Wave

Seven people have died in the Houston area following a severe storm complex that brought winds up to 100 mph, causing widespread destruction and power outages. The death toll, which rose from four earlier in the day, comes as nearly 600,000 homes and businesses in Harris County remain without power, with officials warning that for many, electricity may not be restored for weeks. The storm, classified as a derecho, has led to a state of disaster declaration in Houston, with the mayor urging residents to stay off the roads due to dangerous conditions. Fallen trees and a crane accident were among the causes of death reported. The storm has also prompted the activation of cooling centers to combat the high temperatures and heat index expected to reach triple digits. Further storms are possible, with a risk of severe thunderstorms and flooding rainfall across parts of the Gulf Coast.