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Sunday, June 15, 2025

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90-degree weather continues this week, feeling hotter as we add tropical-like humidity

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The sunny and warm weather this weekend was just a taste of what’s to come later this week. By Tuesday we’ll add in tropical-like humidity, which could send feels like temperatures into the triple digits for the first time this year.

Temperatures Monday morning will start off in the low 70s. A few areas of fog are possible once again, which will be mainly west and south of Houston. Otherwise Monday will be another sunny and warm day, just like what we had this weekend. You may feel more of a breeze though.

What do I need to know about this week’s weather?

The heat is going nowhere, and the humidity will only get worse. That will push low temperatures higher into the upper 70s by Tuesday morning, and the heat index will climb into the mid-90s to near 100. Those who know they’ll be without power for an extended time need to consider finding a place to stay cool during this hot and steamy stretch of weather. We do have a small chance of thunderstorms returning Thursday as a front pushes into the northern part of the state.

So how many 90-degree days can we expect?

Sunday was the second day in a row with 90 degree weather, and by the end of this week we could add a few more 90-degree days to that streak. As of right now we have high temperatures staying in the low 90s over the next 10 days. The only two days where temperatures might not touch 90 is Wednesday and Thursday, and that would be because of cloud cover or storms.

Any potentially stormy days I need to be aware of next?

It’s been a pretty active month for rain and thunderstorms with 10 of the past 19 days with rain recorded at Bush Intercontinental. And while these next couple of days will be quiet, the ABC13 weather team is keeping a close eye on the next storm system that could take shape into the middle to end of next week. Thursday in particular there’s the chance that thunderstorms that develop north of Southeast Texas move from the north. There’s still a lot of variability though this far out, but as of now Thursday is Houston’s next best chance for rain and storms.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

Southeast Texas

Houston

Harris County

Galveston County

Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties

Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties

Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials found dead at helicopter crash site

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister, and several other officials died in a helicopter crash in Varzaghan, northwestern Iran. The crash occurred in foggy, mountainous terrain, making rescue operations challenging. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quickly named Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as caretaker and assured the public of government stability despite the loss.

The crash resulted in the deaths of all eight aboard, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other high-ranking officials. State media did not suggest sabotage but noted Iran’s history of aircraft maintenance issues due to Western sanctions. Former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blamed the U.S. for the tragedy, citing sanctions as a barrier to acquiring necessary aviation parts.

The incident comes at a tumultuous time for Iran, with ongoing regional tensions, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and Iran’s recent drone-and-missile attack on Israel. Raisi, a hard-liner with close ties to Khamenei, was known for his confrontational stance toward the West and his role in enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels. His government also faced mass protests over economic issues and women’s rights, further complicating the political landscape.

The helicopter crash has intensified speculation about Iran’s future leadership. Raisi was seen as a potential successor to the 85-year-old Khamenei, raising concerns about the stability of Iran’s theocratic regime. Khamenei declared five days of mourning, and condolences poured in from global leaders, reflecting the international impact of Raisi’s death.

Despite the leadership vacuum, the Iranian government pledged continuity. An emergency cabinet meeting was held, and Mokhber began receiving calls from foreign officials. Iran’s Constitution mandates a new presidential election within 50 days, signaling a period of transition and uncertainty for the nation.

Raisi’s tenure saw significant geopolitical moves, including support for Russia in Ukraine and arming proxy groups in the Middle East. His death marks a critical juncture for Iran as it navigates internal and external challenges amidst a backdrop of economic hardship and regional instability.

Southeast Texas schools announce reopening plans following destructive storm

TEXAS (KTRK) — In the wake of Thursday’s severe weather, school districts across southeast Texas have announced their decisions on whether to reopen on Monday as they continue to recover from the storm’s impact.

Tomball ISD officials announced that classes will resume on Monday. Their decision comes after extensive debris cleanup and the restoration of electricity to all schools and buildings within the district.

For Houston ISD, the situation is mixed; some schools will reopen but others will remain are closed. Parents are advised to check if their student’s school has been listed among those expected to reopen on Monday.

SEE HISD’S LIST OF OPEN SCHOOLS HERE

According to HISD, the listed schools have power, functioning cooling systems, and food. Any campus not listed by 9 p.m. on Sunday will not be open Monday.

SEE ORIGINAL REPORT: HISD releases list of select campuses that will open on Monday after closures due to deadly storm

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has announced that all its schools will remain closed. In a statement, the district cited travel safety concerns due to the number of broken traffic lights and debris on the roads. Additionally, many of their campuses and families are still without power. CFISD plans to reassess the situation and will provide an update on Monday about Tuesday’s status.

Spring Branch ISD has also announced that it will be closed. The district said that as of noon Sunday, about 70% of their campuses still lacked power. They plan to continue monitoring their facilities and power restoration and will provide a daily update by 4 p.m. Monday regarding school for Tuesday.

In contrast, Cleveland ISD will open Monday. In a statement they confirmed that all their campuses and facilities will be open and operating as normal.

Parents and students are encouraged to stay informed through district communications for the latest updates.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

HISD publica lista de campus seleccionados que abrirán el lunes después de cierres debido a una tormenta mortal.


HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Houston ha publicado una lista de escuelas que se espera abran el lunes 20 de mayo, después de cierres debido a una tormenta peligrosa que se desarrolló el jueves por la tarde y que produjo tornados y vientos dañinos.

Si la escuela de su estudiante está en la lista, el campus tiene electricidad, un sistema de enfriamiento completamente funcional y servicio de alimentos listo para servir.

El distrito dijo que si la escuela de su hijo no aparece en la lista, debe buscar más información entre las 4 p.m. y las 9 p.m. Las actualizaciones continuarán hasta la noche del domingo, según los funcionarios del distrito.

Cualquier campus que no esté en la lista para las 9 p.m. HISD declara que estará cerrado pero funcionará como un centro de distribución de comidas para estudiantes entre las 7 a.m. y las 9 a.m., y luego entre las 11 a.m. y la 1 p.m.

VER LA LISTA COMPLETA DE ESCUELAS AQUI

El Superintendente del HISD, Mike Miles, inspeccionó los daños en la Escuela Primaria Sinclair el sábado, una de las escuelas del distrito más afectadas por las fuertes lluvias y los vientos de 100 mph. Ramas de árboles, escombros y aislamiento estaban esparcidos fuera de los cimientos del edificio.

Fue una de las cuatro escuelas que sufrieron más daños. Las Escuelas Primarias Pugh, Robinson y Paige sufrieron ventanas rotas y árboles caídos; sin embargo, los funcionarios dijeron que los edificios son estructuralmente sólidos.

Hasta el sábado, 77 campus estaban sin electricidad. Las cuadrillas han trabajado sin parar para restaurar la electricidad después de que 136 escuelas se vieron afectadas.

Según la herramienta de seguimiento de cortes de CenterPoint, 325,546 clientes seguían sin electricidad hasta la mañana del domingo. La compañía dijo que está trabajando en los esfuerzos de restauración que se completarán el miércoles.

El distrito envió un mensaje el domingo, diciendo que una distribución gratuita de alimentos y suministros se llevará a cabo el lunes y martes para apoyar a las familias afectadas por los eventos climáticos severos de la semana pasada.

Esta noticia proviene de nuestro socio de noticias, ABC13 Houston.

Cooling centers, water & ice distribution, local and federal assistance available for those impacted by severe storm

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By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Federal Assistance and Local Resources Available Following Southeast Texas Storms

On Friday, President Joe Biden declared the recent severe weather events in Southeast Texas as a major disaster, unlocking federal funding for recovery efforts in the region. This declaration will aid state and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 26, 2024.

Federal aid can be utilized for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to assist individuals and business owners in their recovery. FEMA will coordinate the federal response, and those affected can apply for assistance online, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or through the FEMA app.

As Harris County continues to recover from the recent extreme weather, various agencies are stepping up to provide assistance. Below is a list of resources currently available:

General Information

  • Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For tips on staying cool, visit: Houston Emergency – Extreme Heat Tips
  • Never operate a generator indoors. If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and report to CenterPoint at 713-659-2111.
  • Report water leaks, loss of water services, fallen trees, or malfunctioning traffic lights by calling 311 or 713-837-0311.
  • Houston Public Works assures that drinking water operations are unaffected and safe to drink. Report any water service issues to 311 or 713-837-0311.
  • For further assistance, call 346-286-2125. Stay updated via Ready Harris.

Cooling Centers from the City of Houston

  • Metropolitan Multi-Service Center at W. Gray: 1745 W. Gray St., Houston, TX 77019. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, TX 77091. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center: 4410 Reed Rd., Houston, TX 77051. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Kingwood Community Center: 4102 Rustic Woods, Kingwood, TX 77345. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Woodlands Community Center: 212 Parkview St., Houston, TX 77009. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Water & Ice Distribution Points

  • Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center: 4014 Market St., Houston, TX 77020. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Salvation Army: 12507 Windfern Rd., Houston, TX 77064. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Salvation Army: 4026 N. Interwood, Houston, TX 77032. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Additional Cooling Centers in Harris County
25 locations across Harris County are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this weekend. Locations include:

  • Aldine Branch Library: 11331 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77037
  • Atascocita Branch Library: 19520 Pinehurst Trail Drive, Humble, TX 77346
  • Bayland Community Center : 6400 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX, 77074 (open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
  • Bellaire Public Library: 5111 Jessamine, Bellaire, TX 77401
  • Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library: 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062
  • Kingwood Branch Library: 4400 Bens View Lane, Kingwood, TX 77339
  • Tracey Gee Community Center: 3599 Westcenter Dr, Houston, TX 77042   (open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. )

Cooling, Charging, and Food/Water Distribution Center from Harris County Precint 4

Bayland Community Center 

  • Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19 
  • 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 
  • 2:30 p.m. – Food Distribution 

Cooling and Charging Center 

Tracey Gee Community Center  

  • Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19 
  • 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 

Food/Water Distribution Centers  

Radack Community Center 

  • Saturday, May 18 
  • 10 a.m. – Ice & Water Distribution  
  • 2:30 p.m. – Food Distribution 

Weekley Community Center 

  • Saturday, May 18 
  • 2:30 p.m. – Food Distribution

High-Risk Individuals
For those needing power for medical devices, call 911 and ensure they are registered with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR).

Managing Wastewater Post-Storm

  • Minimize water usage to reduce strain on the wastewater system.
  • Prepare for potential backups and use protective gear when handling wastewater.
  • Avoid contact with contaminated water in the event of a wastewater overflow.

Stay informed and safe as recovery efforts continue.

Storm recovery in Houston: CenterPoint works to restore power to half a million customers as temps are expected to rise

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston area is on the mend following devastating storms that battered the city on Thursday. However, many are still without power as temperatures are expected to reach the high 90s on Saturday.

ABC13’s Lileana Pearson was out in the Heights to survey what city officials are doing as residents wake up for a second day without air conditioning and a spoiled fridge.

Some homes had lights on and operating through a generator down Heights Boulevard.

It has been reported that nearly half a million customers across Harris County have yet to have their electricity turned back on.

CenterPoint Energy sent an email on Friday saying they have restored almost 300,000 people, but the outage tracker shows that 520,000 are without power.

Currently, CenterPoint said their primary focus is on homes and businesses. In a post on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the company said workers were out before sunrise to continue repair work.

Power in some communities is expected to be out through the weekend, with the worst-hit places, such as Cypress, being out untilearly next week.

In response to power outages and temperatures expected to reach the high 90s, several cooling centers are operating so people can cooldown, bathe, and charge their electronic devices.

At least 10 people arrived at the West University Recreation Center overnight, but officials say they will expect more as temperatures rise on Saturday.

Several cooling systems will be operating through the weekend. You can find a list here.

For more news updates, follow Lileana Pearson on FacebookX and Instagram.

4 people dead after storms ripped through Houston, city officials say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Up to four people are dead after damaging storms ripped through Houston and surrounding areas Thursday, according to Mayor John Whitmire’s office.

City officials said one of the deaths happened on North Main Street and 610. ABC13’s Shannon Ryan was at that scene, where a tree had toppled over a home.

According to the city, two of the deaths were from fallen trees, while one was from a crane that blew over.

During a late night news conference, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said power and traffic lights are out, urging people against driving at night. In addition, Fire Chief Samuel Pena said the main issues are gas leaks and downed trees and lines.

Whitmire also urged against venturing into downtown, where he called the damage “considerable.”

If you can, stay home Friday, Whitmire told Houstonians.

Outside of the city limits, in Cypress, at least one person was reported to have died in a mobile home fire in the 15700 block of Cypress Meadows Drive. But it’s unclear if the passing storms played a factor in that blaze.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Hundreds of thousands of CenterPoint Energy customers without electricity following damaging storms

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — More than 700,000 customers were without electricity Friday morning after severe thunderstorms that brought hurricane-force winds barreled through southeast Texas hours earlier.

After the storms passed, CenterPoint Energy confirmed to ABC13 that its downtown building and system had been damaged as a result Thursday.

“As the line of severe weather has made its way through our region, it is now safe for our crews to begin assessing damage but can confirm we’ve experienced significant damage to our system,” the power giant wrote in a statement.

At the time, CenterPoint said restoration efforts had already begun and would ramp up Friday morning.

The strength of the winds can’t be understated.

Some Houston residents told ABC News correspondent Mireya Villarreal that the winds sounded like a freight train coming through.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire drew a comparison to 2008’s Hurricane Ike.

As of Friday at 8 a.m., more than 728,000 customers were without power. Just over 93,000 customers had electricity stored within the past 24 hours.

Outages literally span all over: from downtown Houston to Spring Branch, the east side, including Channelview and Baytown, north around the Cypress area and west, including Katy.

You can keep up with outages and plug in an address using CenterPoint Energy’s outage tracker.

Whitmire warned that the outages are also affecting traffic lights. Power poles are down, and some of them are snapped in half.

If you are traveling in and out of Houston, you can check your flight on the National Airspace System Status.

MORE WEATHER COVERAGE:

Houston-area school and college closings and delays

ABC13 Weather Alert Day: Severe T-Storm Watch issued in SE Texas until 8 p.m.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Pelican Island bridge is unstable after barge slammed into pillar, causing oil spill, officials say

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — Pelican Island is cut off for a second day after a barge crashed into the causeway on Wednesday — the only way to drive on and off the island.

The Pelican Island Causeway bridge has reopened at times to let some cars exit the island and head to Galveston, though no one was allowed to enter. Officials say it’s unlikely they’ll be able to get back on the island anytime soon.

Now, crews are working to repair the damage and clean up the oil that spilled.

Officials said a barge broke loose from a tug boat just before 10 a.m. Wednesday and crashed into the Pelican Island Causeway.

The impact broke off part of the bridge and caused vacuum gas oil to spill into the water.

The barge reportedly has a capacity of 30,000 gallons, though so far, it’s unclear how much oil leaked.

Officials told ABC13 that two crew members on the ship were either thrown or jumped off, but they were rescued quickly. Emergency management leaders confirmed with ABC13 that there were less than 200 people on the island when the incident happened.

Pelican Island is just north of Galveston and is home to Texas A&M Galveston, Seawolf Park, and the Galveston Naval Museum.

Galveston County Judge Mark Henry said they’ve been trying to get the bridge replaced for about 10 years.

“My concern is that they are going to deem the bridge unusable, which would not be a surprise. It was in bad shape before this accident, and that’s going to cause some significant disruptions to Pelican Island,” Henry said. “People are going to have no real way to get there and back, and with Texas A&M Galveston being there, that’s going to dramatically impact A&M Galveston’s ability to deliver education.”

The campus is closed through Sunday.

About 6.5 miles of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway between marker 350.5 and 357 is closed down because of the oil spill.

As for the bridge itself, there were long lines to get off the island on Wednesday. At one point, crews were only letting one car cross at a time.

There are concerns that once the barge is moved from under the bridge, it will become even more unstable.

The Pelican Island Causeway was constructed in 1960 and was actually set to be replaced in 2025.

The bridge is more than 3,200 feet long and about 164 feet wide.

For more news updates, follow Courtney Carpenter on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

13 Alert Traffic: I-610 East Loop northbound at Ship Channel Bridge shut down after deadly crash

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Police have closed all northbound lanes of the I-610 East Loop at the Ship Channel Bridge as they investigate a deadly crash Thursday morning.

It happened at about 3 a.m.

Backups have since grown into delays that are at least an hour, going past Highway 225.

If you’re coming in from the La Porte area, for example, you should expect delays as well.

We don’t know yet what caused the crash, but it’s listed on Transtar as a fire that involved one vehicle.

One person was killed.

All northbound traffic on the loop is being forced to exit on Clinton Drive.

You can use the Washburn Tunnel or East Sam Houston Tollway as alternate routes.

ABC13 has real-time traffic data to help you navigate Houston’s roads and avoid traffic delays.

Sign up for traffic alerts that are sent straight to your phone through our ABC13 app. Manage your notifications from the settings tab.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.