Recovery operations are underway in Mexico and Texas as the severe weather lessens and starts heading east. Mexico was hammered not just by rain and wind, the town of Ciudad Acuna was hit with a hellacious tornado. 13 lives were claimed following the destructive path in the town that houses 180,000 people. The National Weather Service is cautioning Louisiana to take preparations. Reportedly, as the storm moves over the previously ravaged state, it can dump over six inches of rain.
Tens of thousands of residents in Texas are sitting in the dark as power companies scramble to formulate a plan to restore electricity.
For fans taking in the game at the Toyota Center last night, the weather kept them stranded. Many of the fans were permitted to leave the stadium early this morning. When they left, they would hear of the 19 lives taken during the storms. One of those lives was 18-year-old Alyssa Renee Ramirez. The student council president and athlete was driving home from prom when floodwaters swept her car away.
The harsh weather continued between Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma as families tried to remain together. For one mother in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico, her life was changed this morning. Rescuers report the mother was searching for shelter away from the storm with her child, who was tethered in a child carrier. Tornado winds ripped the carrier from the mother’s arms, and the baby’s status is currently listed as missing.
In Central Texas, 12 people are missing after a vacation home was swept away by ravaging waters. Officials advise recovery options are in process.
Tornadoes are still a big concern, and have already struck parts of Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas within the past 24-48 hours . We encourage readers to stay tuned to The Weather Channel. Updates are coming in as information is received.
Officials in Houston, Texas are discouraging any residents from traveling freely on the roads. They have issued a state of emergency, and all public transportation and schools have been suspended this Tuesday morning. Many of the previously passable freeways are submerged underwater. If communications become problematic, locate an FM radio to stay connected and listen for updates.
Our hearts go out to those families and friends affected by these storms and tragedies. May all missing loved ones be found.
Below are images shared by those affected on Twitter: