A powerful tornado has ripped through residential communities north of Houston, leaving a trail of destruction and damaging more than 100 homes. The severe storm, which struck on Monday, tore roofs from houses, moved garages off their foundations, and shattered windows, according to Texas authorities.
Community Impact and Emergency Response
Miraculously, no injuries were reported from the storm, which also uprooted trees, brought down power lines, and scattered debris across neighbourhoods. The aftermath was so severe that at one point, more than 20,000 customers were left without power.
Residents described a terrifying experience as the tornado hit. "I had the door and I was trying to hold it shut so that nothing would end up in the house," Miriam Harris told KTRK-TV. "It was so forceful." Her property suffered roof and tree damage, and part of her holiday light display was destroyed.
In the Klein area, approximately 25 miles north of Houston, emergency crews worked tirelessly to address multiple reported gas leaks, remove trees blocking roads, and clear debris from around homes and businesses, said Ja’Milla Lomas, a spokesperson for the Klein Fire Department.
Widespread Damage and Recovery Efforts
The destructive path extended beyond Klein, with significant damage also reported in the Cypress and Spring areas. The situation became so dangerous that one engine crew from the Cy-Fair Fire Department was forced to take temporary shelter in a resident's garage as high winds battered the region.
Photos and drone footage released by the Harris County Precinct 4 constable's office revealed the extent of the devastation, showing roofs stripped of their shingles and roads blocked by storm debris. The Memorial Northwest neighbourhood was particularly affected.
Assessment efforts on Tuesday morning were hampered by heavy fog, though calmer weather conditions were expected to aid recovery operations. The Houston Fire Department dispatched five members of its specialised saw team to cut up and remove fallen trees, according to spokesperson Rustin Rawlings.
The severe weather struck during one of the busiest travel periods of the Thanksgiving holiday. The National Weather Service had issued a tornado watch for southeastern Texas, including Houston, which remained in effect until 1 a.m. on Tuesday, along with a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the region.
