West News Wire: On Tuesday, severe weather devastated southeast Texas as hazardous tornadoes were confirmed.
Around 2:30 pm local time, the National Weather Service reported a “big and damaging” tornado moving over Deer Park in the Houston metropolitan area.
After a “big and extremely dangerous tornado” was confirmed over Pinehurst, close to the Texas-Louisiana line, at around 4:30 p.m., the agency issued a warning.
As the hurricane passed through the Houston area, several municipalities were conducting rescues and assessing damage.
The 911 phone centers were overwhelmed, according to Pasadena officials, with reports of building collapses, gas leaks, and downed powerlines.
At least one non-life-threatening injury was reported, which was “unbelievable” considering the “amount of damage,” Pasadena Fire Chief Lanny Armstrong said during a press briefing.
Bayville officials reported several building collapses and a structure fire Tuesday afternoon. Multiple power lines were also downed and at least one home reported damage, officials said.
More than 97,000 customers were without power in Texas Tuesday evening, primarily in southeast Texas, according to PowerOutage.us.