DALLAS, TX – Nearly 600,000 residents found themselves without electricity in the aftermath of severe thunderstorms that swept through the northeastern region of the state.

The latest series of storms unleashed hurricane-force wind gusts reaching up to 77mph and hailstones the size of golf balls. These extreme weather events came on the heels of previous weekend storms that resulted in the loss of at least 24 lives across five states, including Texas.

In addition to the power outages, southern Texas is also facing scorching temperatures as it grapples with recovery efforts following a previous storm that left hundreds of thousands without electricity earlier in the month.

Residents of north Texas were startled awake by tornado sirens as the National Weather Service issued warnings for Dallas and its surrounding areas due to the intense thunderstorms. Reports of flooding, fallen trees, and downed power lines flooded in from various parts of the city.

Dallas County declared a disaster as officials worked to evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the storms. At its peak, over 1,070,000 customers were without power, with a significant portion affected in Dallas County alone.

The aftermath of the storms led to the delay and cancellation of hundreds of flights out of Dallas, impacting travel plans for many. The iconic Dallas Zoo also reported sustaining significant damage, prompting its closure for assessment purposes.

Officials anticipate that it may take several days before power is fully restored to the affected areas, underscoring the extent of the repairs required, with some parts needing complete reconstruction.

The severe weather conditions also triggered fires that destroyed homes and a historic church in the Dallas area. Hurricane-force winds later struck Houston, and some northern Texas counties remained under severe thunderstorm alerts going into the next day.

As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating storms, officials are urging residents to check on their neighbors and be prepared for potential flash floods and further weather-related incidents. The ongoing challenges highlight the resilience and preparedness required in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.