Cleanup in Klein shows a dramatic contrast, with some streets untouched and others covered in debris, fallen trees and storm-damaged homes.
KLEIN, Texas — Cleanup continues Tuesday morning in a Klein neighborhood where a tornado cut through the area and left a trail of debris that looks dramatically different from street to street. While some homes were spared, others are dealing with fallen trees, shattered garages and widespread damage.
One resident told KHOU 11 his home is fine, but the storm shifted so quickly that he barely had time to react while inside with his children.
“We hear what I thought was just a downpour and my son went close and checked,” he said. “Back door. It’s like it’s winds that run. Get back over here! Yell that. My oldest son goes upstairs. Get down here! Let’s huddle up.”
Severe damage seen on some blocks, while others look untouched
KHOU 11’s Julissa Garza, who was in the neighborhood Tuesday morning, described a sharp contrast: one street with no visible damage and the next covered in toppled trees and torn-apart structures. In one section, a garage was completely damaged, with bricks scattered across the ground and large tree limbs on rooftops and driveways.
Across the area, crews found trash cans mixed with roofing shingles and other debris thrown across yards and sidewalks.
Cleanup underway as crews move from house to house
As the fog cleared and the sunlight hit the area, the true extent of damage became visible.
Chainsaws and heavy equipment lined the street as tree-trimming and roofing companies began arriving one after another. Some neighbors said workers showed up yesterday and offered to help without charging.
One homeowner told KHOU 11 they had to hire someone quickly just to get their roof patched.
Neighbors could be seen walking the block to check on each other and compare damage. Roads are mostly passable now, with debris pushed to the sides of the pavement and piled across sidewalks.
Fallen trees near homes — but many residents avoided the worst
While some properties have tree limbs directly in front of front doors, many trunks narrowly missed homes. Grarza noted that only certain streets have trees on top of homes, and the level of damage varies dramatically depending on where you are within the neighborhood.
What’s next
KHOU 11 will continue monitoring cleanup efforts and speaking with families affected as more residents wake up and begin repairs.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.