Harris County Hit Hard as Tornado Strikes Without Warning

On Monday a tornado swept through Harris County causing widespread destruction, damaging more than 100 homes and disrupting power and transportation across several neighborhoods, according to CNN.

Constable Mark Herman said in a Facebook post that his office established a central command post near Theiss Elementary School after “significant tornado damage” in the Memorial Northwest area, where “over 100 homes have been damaged.” 

He said first responders were “actively searching for any injured or trapped residents” and had deployed drones to assess damage and identify hazards. Herman also warned of a strong odor of natural gas in several neighborhoods and urged residents to avoid the area.

“Our priority is the safety of our residents,” Herman said. “We are using every resource available to locate the injured, secure the area, and support our community through this emergency.”

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado struck the county, though its intensity has not yet been determined. Severe storms and wind shear contributed to multiple tornado reports across the Houston area, meteorologists told CNN.

Damage was reported across several subdivisions, including Riata Ranch, Champion Forest, Towne Lake and Memorial Northwest, where Harris County crews have begun formal assessments. 

KHOU 11 reported that a weak tornado was seen near Hooks Airport, downing trees, damaging structures and knocking out traffic signals. In the Klein area, a building on the ESD 11 campus “folded like tissue paper,” an official said.

Across Precinct 4, powerful winds tore through the Summer Grove neighborhood, where residents described sudden, intense gusts. Constable Office Assistant Chief Toby Hecker told KHOU 11 that one garage was lifted onto power lines and electricity to the entire area was later cut to prevent fires.

Significant tree and structural damage was also reported in the Barker Cypress area. Families sheltered in closets and interior rooms as tornado warnings went out, and several homes were left with shattered windows, collapsed fences, or holes in their roofs. 

Despite the destruction, no major injuries have been reported. Emergency crews, deputies, DPS troopers and county inspectors continue to assess hazards and assist residents.