Texas Storm Leaves At Least 7 Dead; Brings Flooded Streets, Damaging Winds

At least seven individuals were dead following the stormy weather that struck Houston, Texas.

Weather officials disclosed that up to 100 mph of strong winds had hit through the area, which resulted in power outages that could even continue for weeks despite the rising temperatures.

Increase In Fatalities

Authorities disclosed that the number of deaths had increased from the initial four fatalities that were earlier reported.

The Houston Fire Department chief Samuel Peña disclosed that fallen trees appeared to have caused the death of the two victims while a crane incident claimed the life of another individual.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office already identified three others in the county who died from the storm.

Officials bared that a man had collapsed while attempting to move a downed electrical pole while a woman died after a lightning had hit the trailer where she was staying, later prompting a fire.

So far, more than 900,000 residences and business facilities and establishments had lost power in Houston's Harris County as the bad weather brought violent winds.

Officials said that nearly 600,000 still suffered from loss of power on Friday evening. They said that the power restoration could even take days and not hours for some families.

Unfortunately, it could also take weeks for other affected residents.

Weather experts warned that serious, life-threatening flash flooding within the severe weather zones into the weekend could also bring a greater threat to life and property.

They said this could be worse than the dangers brought by hail, damaging winds, and lightning strikes combined.

Meanwhile, the risky heat and humidity will continue to build as thousands wait for power to be restored.

Read Also: South US Weather Forecast: Heavy Rain, Severe Weather Expected for the Region Starting Friday

Storm Despite Rising Temperature

Meteorologists said that the hottest weather so far this year has been in the forecast for Texas and Louisiana in the wake of the deadly storms.

The weather conditions may potentially reach dangerous levels for those who experience extended power outages.

Officials warned that this would be the first extended stretch of widespread 90-degree or higher heat this year. They mentioned that for those without power and with no air conditioning or electric fans, the weather comes at the worst possible time.

The National Weather Service said that a continued risk of thunderstorms and areas of heavy rain could have an adverse impact on the Gulf Coast and Southeast in the afternoon after a very wet and stormy 24 hours for the region.

So far, meteorologists forecasted that there would be additional instances of heavy rain and damaging wind gusts from the central Gulf Coast to southern Georgia in the evening.

This will be highlighted by a Slight Risk (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms as well as a Moderate Risk (level 3/4) of excessive rainfall.

Further, areas of heavy rain and wet weather are also seen to continue on Saturday across the Mid-Atlantic and central Appalachians. Meteorologists said that scattered instances of flash flooding are very possible in these places.

Related Article: Gulf Coast States Forecast: Severe Weather Threat to Bring Isolated Tornadoes, Flash Flood This Weekend