Severe Storms Batter Texas, Leaving Over 1 Million Without Power and Causing Extensive Damage
Powerful thunderstorms struck the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Houston on Tuesday, leaving over 1,000,000 utility customers without power. The severe weather, which included baseball-sized hail and hurricane-force wind gusts, caused significant damage in several communities.
The storm began early in the day, with outdoor warning sirens and emergency notifications alerting residents as the National Weather Service issued numerous Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Tornado Warnings across North Texas. Dallas County experienced extensive power outages that officials warned could last for days.
In Collin County, north of Dallas, first responders reported baseball-sized hail near Lowry Crossing, with other areas seeing pingpong-ball-sized and half-dollar-sized hail. Winds as strong as 83 mph were recorded near Denton, and a 75-mph gust was reported at Dallas Love Field Airport. The storms also snapped trees in communities like Garland and Dallas.
Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins signed a disaster declaration due to the severe weather and power outages. In Lewisville, officials responded to a structure collapse, and multiple crashes were reported on Interstate 35. In Frisco, lightning struck two homes in the Hollyhock Subdivision, causing a fire in one of them.
In Houston, a strong storm moved through downtown, shattering glass in skyscrapers. Winds were estimated at 60 mph in parts of Harris County. In Magnolia, Texas, several under-construction homes collapsed during the storms, resulting in the death of a construction worker.
In West Texas, thunderstorm winds likely caused a dust storm near Midland, reducing visibility and causing at least one pile-up.
Severe weather also impacted the Texas runoff primary election day. Power outages in Dallas County led officials to extend voting times by two hours. Heider Garcia, an administrator for the Dallas County Elections Department, stated, “The severe storm that hit our community this morning caused significant disruptions, including power outages and temporary closures of many of our vote centers. We are committed to ensuring that every eligible voter can vote, even in the face of these unexpected challenges. We appreciate the court’s decision to extend voting hours and are thankful for the dedication of our poll workers who continue working through this difficult time.”
The threat of wet weather is expected to continue throughout the week for Texas, extending to the eastern Rockies and High Plains. Computer forecast models predict widespread rainfall of 2-3 inches over the next five days, with some areas approaching 5 inches by the weekend. Flood Watches have not been posted, but National Weather Service offices are likely to issue Flash Flood Warnings as needed.
The continued threats of severe weather serve as a reminder that any thunderstorm can produce life-threatening lightning, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds.
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