Millions without power in Dallas due to severe weather

Millions suffer power outages in Texas heat wave, storms cause deaths and widespread damage, with more severe weather on the way.

On Tuesday, millions of people in the Dallas metro and parts of eastern Texas were left without power as severe storms tore through the region. With winds reaching up to 70 mph and reports of gusts as high as 86 mph, the storms also brought large hail and dangerous flooding.

Tragically, at least one person lost their life in a structure collapse in the Houston area, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions. Emergency crews were quick to respond to weather-related incidents, such as an industrial accident in Magnolia, on the northwest side of Houston.

The impact of the storms was widespread, with over 1 million homes, businesses, and utility customers experiencing power outages. Dallas County alone accounted for about one third of these outages, leaving residents in the dark for an extended period.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins declared a disaster and warned that power could be out for several days due to broken lines caused by the straight-line winds. Despite the challenging circumstances, the temperatures in the Dallas area are expected to be slightly below average for this time of year, providing some relief to residents.

This severe weather event is part of a larger pattern of storms that have been affecting the central and southern U.S. throughout the month. The month of May has seen an unprecedented level of severe weather activity, with more than 5,500 preliminary reports of severe thunderstorms and at least 165 tornadoes.

As communities in Texas and beyond continue to recover from the impact of these storms, it is crucial to stay informed and prepared for future weather events. The resilience and response of individuals and communities in the face of such challenges are a testament to the human spirit and the importance of coming together in times of need.