HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Restoration and recovery are top of mind for many Harris County residents after Thursday’s deadly storm ripped through parts of southeast Texas.
While daylight revealed just how intense the storms were, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor John Whitmire both addressed community members Friday morning.
Hidalgo said it has been a long two weeks for the Houston area and this is the second severe storm that has battered the area within those weeks. Local officials expected some rain but instead experienced hurricane-force winds of 85 mph to 100 mph, which caused widespread damage.
She asked residents to give community leaders 24 hours for more certainty and a timeline for when electricity will be restored.
Storm damage
Hidalgo noted a tornado was reported in the Cypress area toward the bay and the National Weather Service confirmed a tornado Friday afternoon near Highland Bayou Drive.
There have been at least four weather-related deaths, damaged roads, flipped 18-wheelers, structural fires, downed trees and downed power lines. Recovery efforts are underway as crews work to clear freeways and roadways.
Mayor Whitmire said at least 2,500 traffic lights are not functioning and crews are also working to fix.
The county judge said residents “may have to go a couple of weeks without power” who are tied to 10 transmission lines that fell during the storm. Seven out of the 10 damaged transmissions are in Harris County.
CenterPoint Energy does not know how long it will take but expected to restore power to at least 4,000 on Friday.
What are city officials doing for those without power?
Hidalgo said Harris County will provide cooling centers in Houston and a list will be provided on ReadyHarris.org. The county is also coordinating with Red Cross, local hospitals and lifeline sectors to help offer water and non-perishable can goods.
Residents are being asked to check on elderly neighbors and do welfare checks.
The county will also ask for federal assistance in hopes Gov. Greg Abbott declares a disaster declaration for Southeast Texas for additional resources.
Whitmire speaks at news conference
The mayor said city government officials and department heads are doing everything they can to help residents.
During the announcement, Whitmire took a moment of silence for the four Houstonians who were killed during Thursday evening storms. He said there is possibly a fifth weather-related death but could not confirm as it’s still under investigation.
He has asked residents to stay off the roads as first responders are spread thin. Whitmire is also asking residents to stay away from downtown Houston as glass continues to fall from skyscrapers and there is sharp debris on the streets.
The mayor also confirmed the city is not under a water boil notice, that the water is safe to drink and water plants are functioning.
WEATHER COVERAGE
Trees, power lines down in Houston; Daylight illuminates how severe deadly storm truly was
One more round of storms in Houston; what’s to come next?
‘We’re in recovery mode’: Storm kills at least 4, Houston mayor asks Houstonians to stay home
Mother killed by fallen tree in SE Houston near Buffalo Bayou during Thursday’s severe weather