How strong were the wind gusts during Tuesdayโs severe weather?
A powerful storm swept through Houston, causing damage, power outages, and even a tragic loss of life. Our thoughts are with the affected communities during this difficult time. Let's come together to support and assist those in need. #HoustonStrong #StormRecovery
Texas experts believe construction changes can cut destruction from weather events down
He made it clear to us he was in favor of changes being implemented in Texas construction. โWe could do a lot better with better building codes in Texas and better enforcement of the building codes that do exist,โ he said. Thompson said spray foam is a big help during a freeze. AdโI think that spray foam insulation and pex pipe is the way to go,โ he said. โThe spray foam used to be really expensive but now itโs come way down because itโs getting used so much,โ said Thompson.
No, frozen wind turbines arenโt the main culprit for Texasโ power outages
โTexas is a gas state,โ said Michael Webber, an energy resources professor at the University of Texas at Austin. While Webber said all of Texasโ energy sources share blame for the power crisis, the natural gas industry is most notably producing significantly less power than normal. We didnโt run out of natural gas, but we ran out of the ability to get natural gas. At least they show us where idiots live.โWhile wind power skeptics claimed the week's freeze means wind power can't be relied upon, wind turbines โ like natural gas plants โ can be "winterized," or modified to operate during very low temperatures. Natural gas power plants usually donโt have very much fuel storage on site, experts said.
Warm weather heading into the weekend
Winds are turning back onshore and with a southeast breeze moisture is slowly and surely returning to Southeast Texas. Expect a warm and slightly more humid Thursday afternoon. Thursday AfternoonWith more moisture in place patchy fog could be an issue for the Friday morning commute as well as our weekend mornings. Fog Friday MorningThis surge of moisture and unseasonably warm weather is ahead of a couple cold fronts on the way. The second front next Tuesday will cut temperatures slightly returning seasonable weather, afternoon temperatures in the low 70s, back to Houston for Thanksgiving.
Neighbors helping neighbors in preparation for Hurricane Sally in Mississippi
Wind is always a concern with strong Hurricanes, but it is the storm surge most coastal residents truly fear. Hurricane Sally is expected to inundate much of the Mississippi coastline. Mandatory evacuations have already been called and much of the coast is now shutting down. Gulfport, Biloxi and several other Mississippi coastal towns are scrambling to finish prepping homes and businesses ahead of Hurricane Sallyโs landfall.
OH HAIL: Your severe weather questions answered by KPRC 2 expert
HOUSTON โ KPRC 2โฒs Britta Merwin answered your questions about the anticipated severe weather heading into our area Friday evening. What questions do you have about the severe weather that's expected to come our way this evening? We typically would not see as amplified of a system and this large of a severe weather potential in early January but rather we would see it in February. I donโt have a garage, my car will suffer โน๏ธThe hail risk is lower than the wind risk with this system. There is a higher risk for hail will be northwest of Houston tonight.