Severe thunderstorms swept through Houston on Thursday, causing significant damage and power outages across the city. One of the major concerns raised by residents is the state of the power poles, some of which were only partially displaced. At Webster and Crawford streets in Midtown, a power pole was reported to be leaning precariously over the street, posing a potential danger to passing vehicles.
Residents in the area immediately called CenterPoint Energy to report the issue, expressing their concerns about the pole potentially collapsing. Patricia Collins, who manages Urban Tales pet kennel across the street, stated, “It’s gonna come down. Maybe another strong gust or someone catching that wire, and it’s gonna come down.” Despite the report, no one from CenterPoint had arrived to fix the leaning pole or block off the road by Friday afternoon.
Collins emphasized that such a situation should be given priority due to its hazardous nature. She gave a tour of Urban Tales, highlighting the discomfort caused by the lack of electricity in the area. The absence of airflow in the concrete building made it extremely humid and uncomfortable for both humans and animals.
Meanwhile, in northeast Houston, another building on the feeder road at the I-610 North Loop and Homestead Road collapsed during the storm. Justin Swain, a local resident, spent the day clearing fallen trees in his parents’ yard. The storm had brought down trees that were not only tall but also very old, making them difficult to chop and remove.
The destructive winds also impacted Miller & Son Wrecker Service along the Eastex Freeway at Crosstimbers Street. The two buildings that comprised the business were completely flattened. Terri Miller-Wilkerson, the owner, expressed her devastation, saying, “Thirty years of hard work gone down the drain.” Fortunately, none of her employees were present during the storm as they had left early to avoid it. However, one of the trucks in her lot was flipped over, and debris from a neighboring business was blown across the freeway.
The storm’s impact was not limited to property damage. Tragically, at least seven individuals lost their lives, including Christin Martinez, a mother of four. The intense storms caused widespread destruction throughout the Houston area, leading to a comparison between tornado and straight-line wind damage. ABC13 compared the damage scenes with National Weather Service assessments to determine the causes behind each incident.
CenterPoint Energy estimates that most power outages will be restored by early next week. However, it may take longer for the hardest-hit areas to have their power restored. The aftermath of the storm has left residents and business owners grappling with the destruction and inconvenience caused by the power outages.
In conclusion, the severe thunderstorm in Houston has left a trail of damage and power outages in its wake. Concerns have been raised about the stability of partially displaced power poles, highlighting the need for prompt action to prevent potential accidents. The storm’s impact on buildings, trees, and businesses is a stark reminder of the destructive force of nature. As the city works towards restoring power and recovering from the storm, it is crucial to prioritize safety and ensure that necessary repairs are carried out promptly to prevent further hazards.
