HOUSTON (AP) — A tornado that raced through residential areas north of Houston damaged more than 100 homes, tearing off roofs, moving garages off their foundations and smashing windows, authorities in Texas reported.
No injuries were reported during the storm that uprooted trees, downed power lines, and scattered debris throughout neighborhoods on Monday.
Heavy fog complicated efforts to assess the damage on Tuesday, though calmer weather conditions were anticipated. Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms were forecasted for areas farther south, coinciding with one of the busiest travel days during the Thanksgiving holiday period, as noted by the National Weather Service.
Some residents took cover in their homes, with reports of over 20,000 customers being without power at one point on Monday. “I had the door and I was trying to hold it shut so that nothing would end up in the house,” said local homeowner Miriam Harris. She reported suffering roof and tree damage, and her holiday light display was ruined.
In Klein, approximately 25 miles north of Houston, officials are addressing multiple gas leaks, clearing roads blocked by uprooted trees, and managing debris cleanup around homes and businesses, according to Ja’Milla Lomas, a spokesperson for the Klein Fire Department. Damage was also documented in nearby areas such as Cypress and Spring.
A fire engine crew took shelter in a resident's garage as high winds moved through the region, the Cy-Fair Fire Department reported. Photos and drone footage shared by the Harris County Precinct 4 constable showed roofs stripped of shingles and numerous blocked roads.
The Houston Fire Department sent a team to assist with the removal of fallen trees. The weather service had issued a tornado watch for southeastern Texas, including Houston, lasting until early Tuesday morning. Severe thunderstorm warnings were also in effect for parts of the region.
