BRENHAM, Texas – A Texas child was found dead Tuesday after she was swept away by floodwaters Monday as other teams raced to extinguish a fire at a home that was struck by lightning.
According to the Brenham Fire Department, swift water rescue teams were called to an area near Fireman’s Park in Brenham on Monday afternoon to investigate reports that a child had been swept away by quickly rising water. On Tuesday afternoon, officials confirmed that the body of 10-year-old Devah Woods had been found about 10 a.m. local time.
Officials said several people tried to help the girl, but were unsuccessful. First responders, too, needed to be rescued after they were swept downstream while trying to rescue her.
Search and rescue efforts continued into Monday evening but were temporarily scaled back as severe weather intensified.
Officials said that throughout the night, land-based teams, drones equipped with thermal imaging, and specially trained canines were expected to continue searching for the girl.
“Please continue to keep this precious child, her family, and all the dedicated first responders in your thoughts and prayers,” the Brenham Fire Department said in a Facebook post.
In the community of Colleyville, first responders rushed to a home to extinguish a fire that was sparked by a lightning strike.
The Colleyville Fire Department said it responded to reports of a fire in the 2500 block of Twelve Oaks Lane in Colleyville on Monday afternoon.
A security camera at a home across the street captured video of the moment a bolt of lightning struck the home. A fire broke out soon after.
Severe weather threat continues Tuesday
The severe weather threat continues on Tuesday, with NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC), placing more than 16 million people in a Level 2 out of 5 threat on its 5-point severe thunderstorm risk scale.
This threat includes cities such as Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Arlington in Texas.
A Level 3 out of 5 threat was also issued in Texas, including cities such as Round Rock, College Station, The Woodlands, Bryan and Temple.
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