HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Two tornadoes ripped through northwest Harris County just seven days ago. As families try to prepare for the holidays, the devastation remains painfully real and raw.
“It’s been depressing, coming home watching what Mother Nature can do. How your whole life can change in just seconds, that’s basically what it took.” said Rafael Ponce.
An EF1 tornado ripped through the Riata Ranch area with peak winds of 105 mph.
A stronger EF2 tornado struck the Klein/Spring area with peak winds of 115 mph.
Now, neighborhoods already reeling from ripped roofs, shattered windows, and destroyed HVAC systems are facing a cold, soaking nightmare. An overnight cold front brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and plunging temperatures—expected to drop into the upper 30s by Monday morning.
“The insurance adjuster was supposed to be here this morning, but they canceled because of the weather,” Ponce said. “So now I don’t know when they’ll come. I’m taking pictures, starting cleanup myself, paying people out of pocket, and hoping insurance reimburses me. I’ve got dogs in the backyard—I can’t let them get hurt.”
If your adjuster cancels and you’re stuck waiting through rain and colder temps:
Document everything—clear photos & videos from every angle
File your claim today—don’t wait for the adjuster
Ask for an advance—many insurers give fast cash for tarps, hotels, temp repairs after major storms
Save EVERY receipt in a Ziploc bag and take pictures of receipts
Finally, I asked Rafael one last question:
“What’s helping you smile, even a little, through all this?”
His answer: “Just being alive.”
In a week that tried to take everything, Rafael found one thing no storm could touch—a grateful heart while cleaning up the mess.
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