Winds Over 100 Mph Hit Houston Thursday Night

news image
Top Stories
18 May 2024 10:10 AM

Strong storms slammed the Houston metro on Thursday night, with widespread damage through downtown. On Friday afternoon the National Weather Service Office in Houston confirmed an EF-1 tornado in Cypress, TX (a suburb of Houston) along with straight-line wind damage in downtown Houston with peak winds over 100 mph. NWS also confirmed this was a "derecho" or long-track wind event that hit the city of Houston. According to the NOAA, a derecho is defined when a "swath of wind damage extends at least 400 miles (about 650 kilometers), is at least 60 miles (about 100 km) wide, includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph (93 km/h) along most of its length, and also includes several, well-separated 75 mph (121 km/h) or greater gusts."

Thousands of windows were blown out in Downtown Houston from the pressure differences and debris. Glass was shattered across the streets.

Power outages continue to dominate the Houston area. Sadly, four people lost their lives as a result of the severe weather in the city. Emergency officials urged people to avoid driving due to damage throughout the area.

Not only was severe weather a huge threat, but widespread heavy rain led to widespread flooding in east Texas and Louisiana. In fact, the rain was so heavy that it seeped through the covered stadium the Astros play in!

All Weather News
More
Cooler and Wetter Across the Northeast This Weekend

Cooler and Wetter Across the Northeast This Weekend

While an upper-level low remains anchored off

29 May 2026 11:24 PM
Severe Storms Return to the Southern Plains Through Saturday

Severe Storms Return to the Southern Plains Through Saturday

TEXAS - Renewed rounds of severe weather are

29 May 2026 11:00 PM
Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

More rounds of heavy rain are expected to mov

29 May 2026 10:55 PM
Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwest

Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwest

SET-UPAn upper low is sitting and spinning ov

29 May 2026 6:00 PM
Northern Plains Heat Pushes into Upper Midwest

Northern Plains Heat Pushes into Upper Midwest

Record high temperatures have been breaking s

28 May 2026 7:15 PM
Severe Storms Threaten Nation's Capital

Severe Storms Threaten Nation's Capital

The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted a

27 May 2026 11:35 PM
Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeast

Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeast

WHAT TO EXPECTHeavy rain has already hit nume

24 May 2026 8:00 PM