At least four people were killed in Houston after severe weather hit southeast Texas on Thursday, Mayor John Whitmire announced at a news conference.
Two killed by falling tree, one killed by falling crane, fourth person’s cause of death unknown, Whitmire Said According to WFAA, Thursday just before 10 p.m.
The mayor said “downtown is in chaos” after the city was hit with winds of more than 100 miles per hour, and told non-essential workers to stay home Friday.
“Stay home tonight and don’t go to work tomorrow unless you’re an essential worker. Stay home; take care of your children,” Whitmire said. “Our first responders will be working around the clock.”
Downed power lines and trees caused extensive damage and traffic disruptions, with traffic lights out of service throughout the city.
KHOU 11 Chief Meteorologist David Paul said the intense winds were hurricane-like.
“If you were living in the center of these winds, you would have experienced the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane, if not a Category 2,” he said in a weather summary. Ta.
WFAA reports that water systems on the east side of town have been disconnected from the grid and generators have been shut down, with CenterPoint Energy reporting that nearly 1 million customers remain without power. did.
The Houston Independent School District canceled classes Friday due to the state of emergency.
Whitmire added that the city is in recovery mode and officials are opening shelters for people in need.
Acting Houston Police Chief Larry Satterwhite said officers will be out on patrol throughout the night.
Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña specifically warned of gas leaks, saying his department has received numerous calls about gas detected inside homes.
“He said if you smell gas inside your home, you should leave the area immediately and call 911 from outside,” WFAA said. report.
