HOUSTON — Authorities in Texas said that a tornado swept through residential areas north of Houston, damaging more than 100 homes, tearing off roofs, knocking garages off their foundations and shattering windows.
No injuries were reported In a storm Monday This uprooted trees, downed power lines and created trails of debris in some neighborhoods.
Thick fog made it difficult to assess all the damage on Tuesday morning, but calmer weather conditions were expected in the area. Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are expected in the far south during the day, which is one of these storms Busiest travel days From the Thanksgiving holiday period. Rain and snow The forecasts in other areas of the country were closer to Thanksgiving Dayaccording to the National Meteorological Directorate.
Some people took shelter in their homes and hid in closets during the Texas storm. More than 20,000 customers were without power at some point on Monday.
“I had the door and I was trying to close it so nothing would end up in the house,” Miriam Harris told KTRK-TV. “It was very powerful.” It sustained roof and tree damage, and some of its holiday light displays were disfigured.
In Klein, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Houston, officials were working to fix several reported gas leaks, remove trees that were blocking roads, and clear debris around homes and businesses, said Jamila Lomas, a spokeswoman for the Klein Fire Department. Damage has also been reported in cypress and spring.
An engine crew temporarily took shelter in a resident’s garage as high winds moved through the area, according to the Cy-Fair Fire Department, which represents a group of stations throughout the Houston area.
Drone photos and videos posted on Facebook by Harris County Precinct 4 Troopers showed torn shingle roofs. Some debris blocked roads.
The damage occurred in the Memorial Northwest neighborhood, according to Sheriff Mark Herman’s office. There were also numerous weather-related vehicle accidents.
Houston Fire Department spokesman Rustin Rawlings said the Houston Fire Department sent five members of its chainsaw team to cut and remove fallen trees.
The Weather Service issued a tornado warning for southeast Texas, including Houston, until 1 a.m. Tuesday. It also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of southeast Texas.