How powerful windstorms caused deaths and extensive damage across Houston

Exceptional windstorms that could leave some Houston residents without power for weeks left damage in their wake comparable to that caused by a hurricane, meteorologists said Friday.

“We believe this windstorm is the most significant windstorm likely for the Houston area since Hurricane Alicia back in 1983,” said Janice Maldonado, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston office.

At least four people died after the storms barreled through Houston on Thursday. The fierce winds folded transmission towers, blew out windows and uprooted trees.

The National Weather Service on Friday confirmed one EF1 tornado touched down near the northwest Houston suburb of Cyprus, and crews were investigating several other possible twisters in the area. Straight-line winds gusting over 80 mph in a single direction have been blamed for the damage, Maldonado said.

how powerful windstorms caused deaths and extensive damage across houston

Climate Houston Storm

“The environment yesterday across southeast Texas was very favorable for these conditions,” said Maldonado, citing wind shear, a cold front and moisture in the atmosphere.

The storm was extreme even for Houstonians accustomed to powerful weather.

“I would say it’s ... a generational wind event for Houston. I mean, you don’t see these types of things very often, unless of course, you’re in a hurricane or you have a tornado strike," Northern Illinois University meteorology professor Victor Gensini said.

It was what meteorologists call a microburst, which is like “pouring pancake batter out onto a griddle … it hits the ground and then pushes out in all directions,” Gensini said.

Severe weather events raise questions about the role of a warming world. After all, most people experience climate change through shifts in their weather, according to Climate Central, a nonprofit with a team of scientists that research and analyze climate change. Extensive scientific research indicates that storms will become more intense, for example by dropping more rain, as the atmosphere warms and holds more water vapor.

The effect of climate change on thunderstorms is less clear than with other weather events, such as heat waves or hurricanes. Gensini explained this is because the storms are short-lived and cover relatively small distances.

“Imagine if you had a telescope, it would be relatively easy, depending on the power of your telescope, to see Jupiter. But if your telescope was the same power, you’re trying to pick out one of Jupiter’s moons, that’s a little bit more difficult,” he said.

___

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate – The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here.

OTHER NEWS

16 minutes ago

‘Downton Abbey 3’ Opening Doors In Fall 2025

16 minutes ago

A24 Lands Horror Spec ‘Mice’ From Todd Spence & Zak White With David Bruckner Directing

16 minutes ago

Comedy Dynamics Acquires Tony Rock’s Debut Stand-Up Special ‘Rock The World’

16 minutes ago

ANALYSIS: DeMelo extension a meaningful start to busy week for Winnipeg Jets

16 minutes ago

IRS watchdog pushes for transparency on pandemic-era small business tax credit backlog

16 minutes ago

Staring at a screen the whole workday can hurt your eye health—4 ways to reduce strain

16 minutes ago

Sophie Wessex pays touching tribute to missing Kate Middleton at State Banquet

16 minutes ago

Three major UK banks offering free cash for switching accounts

16 minutes ago

Man Utd hold Bank of America ‘talks’ as they ‘consider selling Old Trafford naming rights’

16 minutes ago

Lavish state banquet menu enjoyed by King, Queen, Japanese monarch and Prince William revealed

16 minutes ago

What to know about combat sports at the 2024 Olympics

16 minutes ago

Tickets for NBC's Opening Ceremony coverage for Paris Olympics in IMAX theaters now on sale

16 minutes ago

Naomi Watts and Kai Schreiber, Maya Rudolph and Pearl Minnie and More Mother-daughter Pairs at Balenciaga's Fall 2024 Couture Show During Paris Fashion Week

16 minutes ago

Man Utd 'consider selling naming rights' to Old Trafford

16 minutes ago

Holidaymakers splash the cash on £250 of 'extras' while away, says HSBC survey

16 minutes ago

Newcastle want to keep Alexander Isak despite Chelsea and Arsenal interest

16 minutes ago

Memphis Grizzlies are unsure about 26-year-old star’s future with the team

16 minutes ago

Kendrick Perkins talks about being critical of the Boston Celtics: "Boston fans expect you to be married to them for life"

16 minutes ago

NBA Agent Sues Klutch Sports, Rich Paul Over LeBron Fees

16 minutes ago

Prince Harry 'upset and emotional' at footage of Princess Kate and 'feels like outsider'

16 minutes ago

3 Best Trade Offers The Sacramento Kings Can Get For De'Aaron Fox This Offseason

16 minutes ago

Marvel's Kevin Feige Confirmed That Fantastic Four Movie Theory You Heard Is True

16 minutes ago

Highland Park parade shooting suspect rejects guilty plea deal, crushing victims' families: 'Evil and manipulative'

16 minutes ago

Cable car collapse in Colombia leaves at least 1 dead and 12 injured, officials say

16 minutes ago

Elie Saab's classic fall couture has foliage, shimmer -- and capes for men

19 minutes ago

This might be our first look at the Apple Watch Series X

23 minutes ago

Video: Emperor Naruhito dropped into London's Japan House during 'private engagements' before official state visit began - with Empress Masako sitting out the visit to pace herself

23 minutes ago

Eamonn Holmes seen in wheelchair as he holds hands with Christine McGuinness at TRIC Awards

23 minutes ago

VW’s $5 Billion Rivian Deal Raises Doubt on Scout’s EV Revival

23 minutes ago

Russell Wilson shows off six-pack and new ripped physique as he trains in boxing gym - before trying to get his career back on track in Pittsburgh

23 minutes ago

Controversial USWNT star Korbin Albert named to Emma Hayes' 18-player Olympic roster as Alex Morgan is OFF the team for Paris Games

23 minutes ago

Chinese developer Shimao's liquidation hearing adjourned to July 31

23 minutes ago

Las Vegas Strip casino brings on superstar singer’s new residency

23 minutes ago

2024 ESPYS nominations: Caitlin Clark up for three different awards. Check out full list.

23 minutes ago

After 4 Cybertruck recalls in 5 months, Elon Musk’s Tesla may soon lose more of its luster

23 minutes ago

On this day in 2012: England captain Jamie Peacock ends international career

23 minutes ago

Mason Greenwood could return to Man Utd training ahead of new season

23 minutes ago

Country Music Star Toby Keith to Be Honored on NBC Special 6 Months After His Death

23 minutes ago

Can Russia send weapons to North Korea amid sanctions?

23 minutes ago

New trailer for The Rock and Chris Evans' festive action movie Red One suggests it won't be a wonderful Christmas time