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.

Hurricane Irene, traveling 1,100 miles (1,220 kilometers) up the East Coast of the United States, left at least 35 people dead in 10 states and 3 million households without electric power. Some areas received as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain in just a few hours, reported the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The massive category 1 hurricane made landfall on August 27 on North Carolina’s Outer Banks with sustained winds of 85 miles (135 kilometers) per hour. The wind and rain downed trees, knocking out electric power as the storm continued its run up the East Coast.

The very heavy rain triggered major flooding in parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, upstate New York, and New England. Flooding in Vermont was the worst since 1927. At least a dozen towns were cut off as flash floods closed some 250 roads and washed away bridges-including several of the Vermont’s iconic covered bridges. Both downtown Brattleboro and Bennington were under several feet of water. In Montpelier, the capital, the Winooski River crested at 19.5 feet (5.5 meters).

 Additional World Book articles:

• Weather
• How the Ocean Affects Climate (special report)