While a normal storm can be predicted by weather forecasters, rain bands called derechos can often stall or drop large amounts of rain in a short period leading to unpredictable devastating flooding and other damage. These severe storms are also hard to predict because they may develop quickly. At least 8 people died in Texas and more than a million customers were without power in the immediate aftermath of the May 16 derecho and associated storms, including at least 900,000 in Texas and 215,000 in Louisiana. Across the Gulf Coast, May has been extremely hot with current temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in many places. The decay of El Niño has also increased the danger of tornadoes this spring.
(Photo: Storm damage in Houston, Texas, May 17, 2024. Photo credit: Houston Fire Department via X)
