Multiple streets were closed in Downtown Houston the morning of May 17 following a destructive storm that tore through the area late May 16.

Wind gusts of up to 80 miles per hour uprooted trees and shattered windows of Downtown buildings, and crews were working to clear tree debris and broken glass. In a May 17 press conference, Houston Mayor John Whitmire urged Houstonians to avoid driving unless they are essential workers, emphasizing that Downtown was an especially dangerous area.