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Severe Storm Hits Houston with 117 mph Winds, Leaving 5 Dead and Nearly 1 Million Without Power

May 17, 2024, 09:40 AM

A severe thunderstorm with hurricane-force winds swept through Houston on Thursday evening, causing widespread destruction and power outages. Winds reaching up to 117 mph knocked out power for nearly 1 million customers, with over 800,000 in Harris County alone. The storm shattered windows in downtown skyscrapers, downed trees, and toppled transmission towers, leaving streets blocked by debris and traffic lights out. At least five people have been confirmed dead, and officials warn that power restoration could take weeks in some areas. The storm's impact is being compared to Hurricane Ike in 2008. Tornado warnings were issued, and the damage is reminiscent of Hurricane Alicia in 1983. The storm's winds were equivalent to those of a Category 1 or 2 hurricane.