Storms Kill 31 in Southern states of U.S. and Mexico
May 27, 2015
Heavy rains and flooding over the last four days have killed 18 people in the southern U.S. states of Texas and Oklahoma. In Texas, the death toll stands at 17 people with an additional 11 people still missing. Two days ago, on May 25, a tornado struck Ciudad Acuna in Mexico, killing at least 13 people.
The city of Houston was hard hit by flash floods on Monday, May 25. Roads in the central area of the city were impassable for much of Tuesday. I-45 near downtown Houston had flood waters at least 14-feet (4.2-meters) deep in some areas. Motors abandoned their cars along the road and left with rescuers. Flood waters filled the first-floor parking garage of a major shopping mall, the Galleria, trapping some workers in the mall over night. Many people in Houston had to climb onto the roof of their home and wait for rescue by boat. Most of those who died were caught in and swept away by rapid, swirling waters.
People kayak down a flooded street in Houston, Texas, on May 26, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
In the tornado that hit the border town of Ciudad Acuna, hundreds of homes were damaged and at least 13 people were killed when the storm, with wind speeds of 168-186 miles (270-300 kilometers) per hour, struck. Most of those killed were walking outside at the time.
This weather system is still expected to bring rain over the South, with more extreme weather predicted for tonight. It is also expected to move into Louisiana tomorrow, and perhaps cause flooding for that city.
