A strong line of storms tore through Southeast Texas on Thursday, spawning tornadoes and causing widespread damage in Wharton County, Harris County, and beyond.
On Thursday, severe storms unleashed tornadoes and caused considerable damage across parts of Southeast Texas, with reports indicating destruction in Wharton County, Harris County, and Liberty County. Residents captured the dramatic weather, and videos of the tornadoes swiftly spread across social media.
The initial tornadoes were observed in Wharton County, with sightings noted near Loop 183, County Road 428, FM 960, FM 961, and Highway 59 close to the El Campo truck stop. KHOU 11 News reporter Matt Dougherty reported on debris strewn across farmland, featuring broken wooden rafters and sheet metal. A barn in the vicinity lost its roof, but thankfully, there were no reported injuries.
In southwest Harris County, a residence experienced damage as strong winds caused a United States Postal Service truck to overturn on the same street. Authorities are actively evaluating the scope of the damage.
It was a close call for Liberty County. Later in the day, tornado sightings were reported near Lake Houston and in the Atascocita area. In the Cypress Lakes subdivision of Liberty County, an elderly couple in their 80s had a close call when two trees fell onto their home just moments after they exited the room. Neighbors swiftly came together to lend a hand, trimming the trees and supporting the couple.
In spite of the devastation, there have been no reports of injuries, and the community is coming together to assist those impacted.
Authorities are advising residents to stay vigilant as cleanup operations commence and the risk of additional severe weather persists.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards is escalating its enforcement against Harris County Jail, requesting the Texas Attorney General’s intervention. With persistent overcrowding, understaffing, and inmate deaths, the jail remains out of compliance, raising concerns about safety and oversight.
Thousands of Houston ISD students skipped school as parents and students protested against Superintendent Mike Miles and the state-appointed board of managers. The protest, organized by Community Voices for Public Education, opposed district reforms that critics say hurt students and teachers.
According to the CDC, Texas is experiencing a significant rise in flu cases, with hospitals reporting increased admissions and flu test positivity rates nearing 30%. Experts warn that lower vaccination rates could worsen the severity of this year’s flu season.