A powerful storm system battered the Houston area on Thursday, leaving behind a path of destruction in its wake. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed a tornado touchdown in the Cypress area, with preliminary findings classifying it as an EF-1 tornado, boasting winds of up to 110 mph.

The NWS is currently conducting further surveys and dispatching additional crews to fully assess the extent of the damage caused by the tornado. In addition to the tornado, officials have classified the overall event as a derecho, a type of straight-line wind storm. These winds, often mistaken for tornadoes due to their destructive nature, lack rotation but can be equally as devastating.

Downtown Houston and Baytown were particularly affected by the derecho, with storm survey reports indicating widespread wind damage. In Baytown, the powerful straight-line winds, estimated to be between 90-100 mph, uprooted large hardwood trees and caused damage to roofs and vehicles across the area. Meanwhile, downtown Houston suffered significant wind damage, particularly on exposed north and west side buildings, where windows were blown out by winds reaching speeds of approximately 100 mph.

Tragically, the severe storm claimed the lives of up to four or possibly five individuals in the Houston area, according to officials. The exact circumstances and details surrounding their deaths are yet to be disclosed.

The ferocity of the storm can be attributed to the collision of cool, dry air from the thunderstorm with warm air at the surface. This temperature and density difference accelerated the air to high-speed, resulting in the destructive winds that ravaged the region.

Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and remain vigilant as the aftermath of the storm continues to be assessed. Repair and cleanup efforts are underway to restore normalcy to the affected areas, and the NWS is actively monitoring the weather conditions for any potential future storms.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this severe weather event, residents are urged to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities to ensure their safety.