Texas endured a significant weather event as a series of severe thunderstorms swept through the region from Friday night into Saturday. The storms resulted in high winds, heavy rainfall, and numerous lightning strikes, leaving over 100,000 customers in the Houston area without power early Saturday morning. The National Weather Service recorded alarming wind gusts, reaching up to 64 mph, across various parts of the region.
Video footage captured the aftermath, showcasing downed trees and power lines alongside flooded streets and parking lots. Notably, certain sections of I-45 experienced considerable inundation, leading to delays north of downtown Houston.
Meteorologist Sara Tonks reported that, despite the severity of the storms, there were no confirmed tornadoes in Texas overnight, although five storms received tornado warnings in southern Texas. The scale of the storm system was remarkable, evidenced by upper-level water vapor imagery that illustrated its expansive reach from Texas all the way to Nebraska, with moist air streaming in from the Gulf.
In addition to the Houston area, the storm system made its presence known in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Thursday night, where Denton County Emergency Services responded to two house fires attributed to the storm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, despite one family being displaced. Radar indicated a possible tornado near Fort Worth, and a large tree was uprooted as a result of the strong winds.
The extensive storm system also unleashed considerable hail, especially in Del Rio, where reports indicated over two inches of rain fell, compounding the impacts felt across the state.
As Texans assess the damage and recover from this tumultuous weather event, the resilience of the community shines through, with first responders and neighbors ready to assist those affected.