PASADENA, Texas — A tornado caused significant damage in several Houston-area communities on Tuesday.
A strong storm system created a line of destruction from the southeast to the northeast side of town as a confirmed tornado raced through the area.
Pasadena
From homes to cars to trees, many neighbors in Pasadena were left sorting through debris after a tornado ripped through their community.
"We couldn’t even see which way it was coming from. We couldn’t see anything. It just went white. Everything went white, explosions were happening. It was terrifying, it really was," Pasadena resident Jack Kruse said.
Some neighbors returned to their homes to find them destroyed.
"You're expecting some fence fallen down, maybe a couple of bricks knocked off, maybe a broken window. Not the whole second story of your house completely gone," said Jeremy Moody, whose house was destroyed in the storm. "That's a little shocking."
Others were inside their homes when the storm hit.
"It was the most scary thing in my life, but thank God we are here, sound and alive," Pasadena resident Maria said.
She and her husband Ishmael headed to a hotel after the tornado ripped the roof off their home.
Despite the devastation left by the storm, neighbors are still hopeful.
"We're safe. Nobody got injured and stuff can be replaced and rebuilt, so I was happy for that," Moody said.
The Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at Baker Ripley at 720 Fairmont. They're providing warm meals, a place to sleep and emotional support.
Houston Fire Chief Peña said about 25 to 50 people displaced from the Beamer Place Apartments were bused over to the Red Cross shelter.
One injury was reported, according to the Pasadena mayor.
Deer Park
Significant damage was seen at one of the busiest intersections in Deer Park. The intersection of Center Street and St. Augustine was covered in debris.
Air conditioners were blown off buildings, windows were busted and siding was ripped off houses and buildings.
Residents were moved from the San Jacinto Manor, a nursing home, to other locations.
An American Red Cross shelter is open in nearby Pasadena.
A temporary cell tower was brought in after one of the city's towers was destroyed by the tornado. Crews will begin restoration on Wednesday.
No injuries have been reported in Deer Park.
Baytown
Baytown city officials also reported significant damage in these areas:
- Wallisville and Garth - one home reported damage
- North Main and I-10 - damage to a Valero
- Weaver - Several building collapses and a structure fire
- Baytown Nature Center - Damage reported to several buildings
- Sjolander and I-10 - power lines down
- Decker and Bayway - six power lines down
They also said they received reports of people being trapped at unconfirmed locations although it's unclear if any injuries have been reported.
City officials said first responders were at the scene of each location.
Also in Baytown, an overturned trailer caused a gas line to rupture. Officials closed off the line but let it burn off instead of trying to fight the fire.