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A large tree is seen after it split and fell onto a car and part of a home after heavy winds and rains ripped through the region, Thursday, May 15, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Residents urged to stay off roads after deadly storm causes 4 deaths, widespread damage

A destructive thunderstorm with tornado-like winds tore through Houston Thursday evening, killing at least four people. Law enforcement and public officials urged residents and drivers to remain safe and stay off the road if they can

Mayor John Whitmire listens as Melissa Dubowski, City of Houston Finance Director, speaks about $6.7 billion budget proposal the mayor unveiled during a news conference on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Mayor Whitmire expects 'long night' as Houston assesses storm damage

At least four people died as a result of Thursday evening's powerful storm in Houston, according to Mayor John Whitmire's office.

Debris fills the feeder road near Interstate 10 and Interstate 45 near downtown Houston after severe storms pass through the area Thursday, May 16, 2024

Photo by: Kirk Sides, Staff Photographer

HISD, Houston-area districts cancel school Friday due to severe storm

Houston ISD and a growing number of area school districts are closing campuses Friday.

Harris County Constable Deputies at a scene where a tree fell on a vehicle in the 9600 block of Dowdell Road.

Photo by: Harris County Constable Precinct 4

Social media photos and videos show widespread damage from severe storms

These photos help tell the story of widespread damage from a severe thunderstorm that ripped through Houston on Thursday evening.

Everything else you need to know

Track where outages are happening as severe storms flow through Houston: About 40 percent of all Harris County residents are without power, according to the Houston Chronicle's Power Tracker.
Keep track of flooding across Houston with our real-time tracker: Get the latest updates on bad weather in Houston with our interactive flood map and tracker.
Who's in charge of what during a major storm in Houston? When a major storm approaches the Houston area, numerous city, county, state and federal employees work together to prepare residents for what's coming.
Is very large hail becoming more common in Houston? It seems that large hail has been happening a lot more often. Is that really the case?

Notice: You're receiving this as part of the Chronicle's expanded weather coverage, launched in partnership with the San Antonio Express-News. We provide daily forecasts, data-driven explainers on weather events in Houston and a weekly newsletter to help you navigate your daily lives. To read more, click here.