Across Texas and Oklahoma, thunderstorms unleashed hail, flooding, heavy rainfall and numerous tornadoes Tuesday, May 7. According to AccuWeather, those weather elements remain a threat for a large part of the country Wednesday and Thursday as the atmospheric conditions continue to charge across the country.
Multiple tornadoes were reported on Tuesday. According to AccuWeather, local law enforcement said a tornado had moved from Howardwick to Alanreed, Texas.
Another large tornado tracked from near Hobart to Rocky, Okla. Tuesday night. According to AccuWeather, this was confirmed by footage from storm chasers when illuminated by lightning.
While this was occurring, hundreds of students were stranded in school. According to CNN, the flooding kept buses and parents off the roads in Cleveland, Texas.
“In Cleveland we have a lot of low-lying areas," said Susan Ard Cleveland Independent School District spokesperson, to CNN. "We can't get buses through."
Ard said approximately 200 students remained at the school Tuesday night and cots were provided by a local church to students who had to stay overnight.
An estimated 14 in. of rain was seen in areas near Houston, according to the National Weather Service. A Fort Bend County judge issued a disaster declaration due to flash flooding and potential flooding of the Brazos River, according to CNN.
"Our residents need to understand that is a serious threat," Fort Bend County Judge KP George said to CNN. "This flash flooding tonight is contributing to the Brazos River levels, which still pose a threat later this week. We are not out of the woods yet."
The National Weather Service offices will conduct storm surveys over the upcoming days to confirm the number of tornadoes that touched down, according to AccuWeather. Many residents in affected areas posted on social media to show their submerged cars after the storms, and multiple social media users have reported flooded local streets.
According to AccuWeather, flood watches and warnings were issued throughout affected areas and there were multiple reports of flooded roads and buildings.
