Photos: Storms Leave Destruction Across Houston

A powerful storm tore through Texas on Thursday evening, killing at least four people and battering the state with destructive winds and heavy rain.

The force of the storm caused widespread damage in Houston, blowing out the glass windows of ground-level storefronts and downtown high-rises. It toppled trees, downed power lines and even ripped apart a wall at a downtown nightclub, leaving piles of bricks.

Nearly a million utility customers were still without power on Friday morning, and officials said that the storm brought winds with speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. With some roads still blocked off, officials have warned people to stay home as they assess the damage and clear debris.

Here’s a look at the damage in Houston from the storm.

At least two people were killed by falling trees, officials said, and firefighters responded to reports of gas leaks and downed power lines, including one across a major highway. Officials said on Friday that it could take up to 48 hours to fully restore power across the region.

Schools in Houston canceled classes on Friday. Videos circulating online showed rain whipping through the closed roof of Minute Maid Park as the Houston Astros faced the Oakland Athletics.

Residents took refuge in their homes and their cars, and in nearby buildings, as the storm passed through the city.

As officials continued to clear the damage on Friday morning, downtown streets were blanketed with glass shards and other debris.

Brent Lewis and Isabella Kwai contributed reporting.