A quick-rolling line of severe thunderstorms rocked Texas Thursday evening. Strong winds knocked out skyscraper windows while flooding downtown Houston streets. City officials said the storms killed at least four people while leaving thousands of more in the dark as crews race to restore power. Nearly one million customers are reportedly left in the dark as crews believe a complete restoration could be weeks away. Among the dead was a mother of four who died when a tree fell pummeled her vehicle. While an EF-1 tornado was confirmed in a neighboring community, meteorologists believe the Texas storms’ 100-mile-per-hour straight-line winds caused the most significant damage. Although freakishly severe weather is common in the Lone Star State, Houston hasn’t experienced destruction of this magnitude since Hurricane Harvey in 2017. U.S Safe Room can provide life-saving protection from all storms and severe weather.
Why is Severe Weather Common in Texas?
Texas is accustomed to severe weather. Unfortunately, climate change will continue with this chaotic weather trend. Although the Midwest is infamous for severe weather and thunderstorms, Texas’s geography doesn’t do the state any favors. Texas is wedged between the approaching cool air masses of the Rocky Mountains and the humid Gulf of Mexico, converging to produce conditions favorable to tornadoes. While tornadoes and high winds are enough to send any resident running for the hills, the state’s proximity to the Atlantic hurricane corridor also makes it a prime target for tropical storms. Texas is also inherently flat, giving tornadoes ample space to romp through storm-weary communities. With 268.000 miles of open terrain, Texas has become Mother Nature’s playground of carnage. Fortunately, most of Texas is sparsely populated except for major metros. However, the majority of Texans have foregone traditional tornado protection.
Superior Tornado Protection From Texas Storms
No one can outrun or out-smart a tornado. Although advanced meteorology can predict severe thunderstorms days in advance, instruments that provide advance tornado warnings still need to be provided. Residents have only a few minutes to scramble for safety once a tornado is spotted on radar. While a bathroom or basement can work as an ad hoc tornado shelter, nothing beats superior steel protection. U.S Safe Room’s superior steel tornado shelters offer a permanent solution. Our above-ground tornado shelter line provides the same life-saving technology as our below-ground models. We subject all models to rigorous structural tests, ensuring continuous protection from all severe weather events. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation!
