On the night of May 26, 2025, Houston experienced a severe storm that brought widespread damage and disruption to the city and surrounding areas.
A Night of Turmoil
The storm, which struck late Monday into early Tuesday, unleashed winds reaching up to 70 mph, accompanied by heavy rain, hail, and intense lightning. These conditions led to significant power outages, with nearly 200,000 homes and businesses affected across the Houston area. CenterPoint Energy and Entergy reported the majority of these outages, and while crews worked diligently, tens of thousands remained without electricity hours after the storm had passed .
Damage Across the Region
The powerful winds and lightning caused trees to fall and damaged structures throughout the city. In The Woodlands, a lightning strike ignited a fire, exemplifying the storm’s severity. Montgomery and Jefferson counties were among the hardest hit, with outages possibly extending into Wednesday .
A Week of Unsettled Weather
Following the initial storm, Houston faced a week of unsettled weather. Thunderstorms continued to develop, particularly along and south of Interstate 10, driven by sea and bay breezes. Rainfall throughout the week ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 inches across Houston and Harris County, with some areas experiencing up to 6 inches . These conditions led to localized flooding and further power outages, with nearly 5,000 customers affected in areas like Cypress, Greenspoint, Sugar Land, Pearland, and Pasadena .
As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, beginning on June 1, forecasters warn that 2025 could be one of the most active seasons in recent years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates 13-19 storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes. Houston-area residents are urged to begin preparations immediately, including creating evacuation plans and assembling hurricane supply kits .
In the aftermath of the storm, city officials have identified housing as the top unmet need, citing an estimated $230 million required for repairs. However, in a newly released $315 million federal disaster recovery spending plan, none of the funds are allocated toward housing. Instead, the city plans to invest in emergency infrastructure, including backup generators and emergency vehicles .
The recent storm serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. As Houston moves forward, the resilience and determination of its residents will be crucial in facing the challenges ahead.
