One person was killed, and multiple others injured as devastating tornadoes and severe storms swept through Texas on Saturday. The Houston metropolitan area bore the brunt of the destruction, with dozens of homes destroyed, widespread power outages, and travel disruptions.
The National Weather Service confirmed at least five tornadoes after surveying affected areas on Sunday. Brazoria County officials reported the death of a 48-year-old woman found near her home south of Houston.
The storms caused severe property damage, including homes losing roofs and being crushed by falling trees. Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin, Texas, suffered major destruction, leaving students uncertain about where they will study after the winter break.
Walt Disney Elementary - Alvin Independent School District in Alvin, Texas has suffered catastrophic damage and is considered a total loss following yesterday’s tornado.
— 𝕂𝕖𝕟𝕫𝕚 (@DevilDogIBiteU) December 29, 2024
In the midst of this recovery, we are asking for your support. Many of our educators have lost individual pic.twitter.com/sqKOy6yWCx
Images and videos shared by local news outlets revealed the aftermath, including a video from KPRC showing drivers sheltering under an overpass during a thunderstorm.
Severe thunderstorms disrupt Gulf Freeway traffic with tornado warning for Houston-area counties until 5 p.m. https://t.co/6pH7Zp30Rc
— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) December 28, 2024
McAllen resident Mirna De Leon and her husband, returning from Christmas celebrations in Houston, recounted being forced off the highway due to zero visibility and powerful winds. "It was horrible," De Leon told the Latin Times.
We're seeing more damage from yesterday's storms across the Houston area. This video was sent in by Tiera Joseph from the New Caney area in Montgomery County.
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) December 29, 2024
Where tornadoes were reported: https://t.co/FY8WjmUTYf pic.twitter.com/nWpjKWCXoF
Meteorologist Frank Pereira of the National Weather Service stated that 40 tornado reports were received from southeastern Texas to Alabama, though many remained unconfirmed by Sunday evening. CNN reported four deaths across the Southeast and East Coast from storms affecting Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina.
The Storm Prediction Center forecasted a continued eastward progression of severe thunderstorms, with tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds expected in parts of Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas, which remain under tornado watches.
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