Severe Memorial Day storms knock out power to more than 100,000 in Texas
More than 100,000 customers in Texas were without power on Tuesday morning after severe storms pummelled the area.
Earlier Tuesday morning, it was closer to 130,000 customers who did not have power, but the outages have been clearing up throughout the morning, according to PowerOutage.us, a platform that tracks national power outages.
Heavy rain, hail and violent winds over Memorial Day weekend are behind the widespread power outages across the state, particularly in the greater Houston area and nearby counties. PowerOutage.us reports that over 71,000 CenterPoint Energy clients and more than 23,000 Entergy clients were without power as of 10:30 a.m. ET.
Thunderstorms are expected to continue hitting areas throughout southeastern Texas into Louisiana and Mississippi on Tuesday, as severe weather from the holiday weekend continues to move eastward.
The National Weather Service reports that the Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk level of two out of five for the thunderstorms throughout Texas that will continue into Thursday morning, with frequent lightning, severe wind, hail and potentially a few tornadoes.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activated state emergency response resources on Monday, telling residents the state was 'ready to deploy all necessary resources to support Texans as severe thunderstorms move across our state.'
'Texans are urged to remain weather-aware, regularly checking road conditions and heed the guidance of state and local officials to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones,' Abbott wrote in a news release.
Some Texas residents have captured significant elements from the thunderstorms: An X user in north-central Texas took photos of hail larger than the size of a softball, and in Austin, someone filmed a video of the intense lightning strikes during a storm Monday night.
The Weather Prediction Center has placed southeastern New Mexico, parts of southwestern Texas and areas across Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia on a level two out of five risk for severe thunderstorms through Wednesday. The center also warned some areas in Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia could experience flooding from the storms.
The NWS advises residents to be ready to shelter indoors before storms hit and set up multiple ways to receive as many weather warnings as possible.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Most of Michigan faces extreme heat watch; life-threatening currents expected in Lake Michigan
After a slew of thunderstorms earlier this week, Michiganders can expect hot weather and life threatening waters this weekend, June 21-22, according to National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the state. A heat wave is expected to hit southeast Michigan this weekend and early next week, according to the NWS Detroit office, with some areas reaching 90 degrees. "Warm muggy nights with lows only in the 70s will not provide much relief from the heat," a post from the NWS office in Detroit said. An extreme heat watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Tuesday evening, presenting hazardous conditions for those engaged in outdoor activity, the weather service said. Additionally, scattered thunderstorms are possible Friday and early Saturday morning with wind gusts up to 50 mph with heavy rain, according to a post on X. Here's what else the National Weather Service is saying about this weekend's forecast in Michigan: Planning to head to the U.P. to escape warm temps? You may not be successful, as a hot and humid weekend is expected in areas near Marquette, the NWS office in Marquette said. "We've a hot and humid weekend coming. Daytime temperatures in the 80s and 90s are expected Saturday through Monday while temperatures only cooling into the 60s and 70s each night," the local NWS office said in a statement. "Those sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or hydration, may be impacted." More: Heading to the UP? What to expect at Mackinac Bridge: traffic cams, weather, construction Additionally, strong to severe storms are expected Friday night in the U.P. from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m., with damaging winds and large hail, a report shows. "A high swim risk is in place for many Lake Michigan beaches on Saturday as waves of 3-6 feet and life-threatening rip currents are expected at times through Saturday afternoon," the NWS office in Gaylord said in a report. Lake Huron also faces moderate risk Saturday and Sunday. Like most of the state, very hot humid weather is expected Sunday through Monday, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and low 100s during the afternoon. Storms tracking west to east may also potentially bring severe weather to the area early Saturday morning and early Saturday afternoon, with damaging winds, large hail and frequent lightning. Temperatures are expected to reach the 90s over the weekend and remain high through the first half of next week, a post from the NWS office in Grand Rapids said, while overnight lows may remain in the 70s. Tweets by NWSGrandRapids "Unfortunately, the warm and humid beach weather this weekend will clash with dangerous swimming conditions due to large waves and strong currents. Stay cool, but stay out of Lake Michigan both Saturday and Sunday," the local weather service said in a statement. Additionally, storms from northern Michigan early Saturday morning could extend south and affect central lower Michigan, bringing strong wind gusts and large hail to a few spots, according to the NWS. Per the American Red Cross and the World Health Organization. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid excessive amounts of sugary drinks, caffeine or alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration. Dress cool: Wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing to help your body stay cool. Wearing a hat and sunglasses can also provide additional protection from the sun. Sweet dreams: Sleep with light, loose-fitting bed linens. Avoid rays: Limit your exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) to reduce your risk of sunburn and overheating. Lather up: Apply sunscreen before heading out. Catch a breeze: Turn on fans or air conditioning to cool down indoor spaces. Rinse off: Refresh yourself with cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. Use a damp cloth, spray bottle or wet clothes to wet your skin. Take a break: Avoid strenuous activities to minimize physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. Stay alert: Pay attention to weather forecasts and heat advisories. Be aware of any heat warnings in your area and take necessary precautions. Look out for others: If possible, check on elderly neighbors, young children and people with health conditions who may be more susceptible to heat-related issues. Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How hot will it be in Michigan this weekend?
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
'Protect yourself': With sweltering heat wave on way for region, emergency officials urge safety
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A wave of extreme heat will blanket much of the eastern U.S. starting Sunday. The heat wave will bring temperatures as high as 93 degrees Fahrenheit through Tuesday in Johnstown, and just a few degrees less than that in Somerset, according to National Weather Service forecasts. Factoring in humidity and the region's recent wet, chilly weather, it will feel even hotter, NWS meteorologist Michael Colbert said. That could create trouble if people aren't careful in western Pennsylvania, he said. 'Certainly we're not acclimated to this heat, given how wet it has been,' Colbert said. The weather will likely mean plenty of sunshine, but also dangerous heat and UV radiation levels, he added. More than 700 people die from heat-related illnesses every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Safety tips Local emergency officials urged residents to avoid the worst of the heat – and to take precautions to stay safe through the sweltering stretch. 'Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,' said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. In a telephone interview Friday, Somerset County Emergency Management Director Joel Landis echoed Martinez's message. He said the main thing people can do is stay indoors and avoid too much sun exposure. People who don't have adequate means to keep their homes cool, such as air conditioning, should find somewhere that does, Landis advised. Somerset County will use its six senior centers as public 'cooling centers' daily while high temperatures persist. They will operate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cambria County's nine senior activities centers will also be open to the public if needed next week, Cambria County Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Davis said. 'If anyone needs to get out of the heat, regardless of their age ... they can go to our senior centers,' Davis said. Davis and Landis said emergency management officials will be monitoring the situation as temperatures rise and needs potentially become apparent. If additional cooling centers need to be opened, steps will be taken, Davis said. For those who do go outdoors, find shady areas or cool off at a pool – but limit periods of outdoor exposure, Colbert advised. He reminded people to apply sunscreen regularly and to wear a hat and light, loose, breathable clothing. The American Red Cross advises people to drink at least a glass of water every hour to stay hydrated. 'If outages occur' Davis said communication will also be ongoing with Cambria County's hospitals, which may also be needed if dehydration and heat exhaustion cases become an issue. Landis said Somerset County emergency management officials will be monitoring locations that could need support if power outages occur, such as personal care homes or hospitals. 'If outages occur, we'll be ready to assist those facilities with whatever resources we have,' Landis said. The key message to the region's communities was for people to look after one another. Check in on neighbors and loved ones who might be susceptible to the heat, Landis and Davis advised. Red Cross officials agreed. 'We're asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes,' Martinez said. 'You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.' People were also reminded to never leave children or pets alone in parked cars, which can become extremely hot in a short amount of time. Colbert said people should also avoid over-exerting themselves, and urged people to consider avoiding the hottest period of the day to tackle outdoor projects. 'If any community needs arise, call 911,' Davis said. Colbert said the temperatures will surge due to an expansive high-pressure system that will trap hot air over the eastern U.S. It will bring drier air and a likely break from the recent stormy system, but also potentially record-setting temperatures, forecasters added. Colbert said conditions will likely improve after Wednesday as chances for cooler conditions and rain increase.
Chicago Tribune
3 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
First extreme heat wave of 2025 headed to Chicago: What to know for the weekend
Beginning Saturday, Chicagoans can expect intense heat compounded by muggy humidity for the next several days. The National Weather Service has declared an extreme heat warning in Cook County from 10 a.m. Saturday through midnight Monday. Daytime temperatures may reach 97 degrees on Saturday, with a peak afternoon heat index of 106, according to the National Weather Service. At night, temperatures will probably 'struggle' to drop below 80 degrees, said Brett Borchardt, a senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service. That makes this first heat wave of the year particularly dangerous. 'So we have a prolonged period of time where we're not able to cool off, and the effects of heat accumulate,' Borchardt said. 'That's when we start to see those heat-related illnesses crop up.' Through Sunday and Monday, daytime temperatures may continue to hit the mid- to high-90s, and the heat index is forecast to reach 100 to 105 degrees. The National Weather Service may extend its heat warning through Tuesday if conditions persist, Borchardt said during a Friday morning news conference at the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications. High humidity is also contributing to this weekend's heat warning. The combination of extreme heat and humidity can have dangerous health consequences such as nausea, confusion and passing out. The heat can also turn deadly, city officials stressed. Mayor Brandon Johnson urged Chicagoans to take the warning seriously, adding that officials have learned grave lessons from the past. 'We are one month away from the 30-year anniversary of the 1995 heat wave, the deadliest heat wave in American history,' Johnson said. 'We lost more than 700 Chicagoans. Most of them were the elderly and poor. … It really challenged the city to recognize the danger of extreme heat.' Over the last three years, the city recorded 485 heat-related deaths and more than 700 heat-related emergency room visits in Chicago, Public Health Commissioner Olusimbo Ige said. People who are already sick and people older than 65 are the most vulnerable, she added. Certain regions of the city may also be more susceptible to extreme heat because of the urban heat island effect — when factors, including building materials and tree canopy cover, cause the environment to trap more heat. Public health data shows the 60620, 60623, 60628 and 60651 ZIP codes historically see more heat-related emergencies than other locations, Ige said. Residents should stay inside with air conditioning if possible, officials said. According to Ige, 89% of the city's population live in air conditioned buildings. Almost 180 city facilities serve as cooling centers during heat waves, including public libraries, Department of Family and Support Services and Park District buildings. There are an additional 110 spray features at city parks. However, most cooling centers have limited hours that don't extend throughout the evening. According to city data, 33 cooling centers aren't open during the weekend and 26 are not open Sundays. Only 3% of Chicagoans went to a cooling center in 2024, Ige said. Other ways to stay safe during the heat wave include drinking lots of water, wearing light clothing, keeping ovens and stoves shut off and cooling off with a cold bath or ice packs, officials said. The city plans to send teams out to do well-being checks on older and homeless people throughout the weekend, said Maura McCauley, acting commissioner of the Department of Family and Support Services. And for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the city is opening all its pools again seven days a week. Outdoor pools open Saturday, and can help residents beat the heat, Park District chief of staff Michael Merchant said.
