Tornado Strikes Houston Suburbs, Causing Widespread Damage and Travel Disruptions

A tornado touched down in the Houston, Texas area on Monday afternoon, striking the northern suburbs including Willowbrook and Jersey Village. The twister caused significant damage and disrupted holiday travel across the region.

The National Weather Service issued urgent warnings for residents to seek shelter as the storm moved through. The severe weather also prompted a ground stop at Bush Intercontinental Airport, leading to widespread delays for Thanksgiving travelers.

The tornado touched down at approximately 1:38 p.m. Central Time and moved northeast at speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour. Trees and power lines were knocked down, and damage was reported at the Klein Fire Department’s administration building. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado’s path, and the initial warning was canceled just before 2:15 p.m. A tornado watch remained in effect for several counties, including Harris, Montgomery, and Fort Bend, until 7 p.m., with officials warning of continued severe weather risks.

Late November is historically an active period for tornadoes in Southeast Texas, as warm Gulf air collides with incoming cold fronts, creating conditions conducive to rotating storms. The tornado brought not only wind damage but also the risk of large hail. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented a ground stop at Bush Intercontinental Airport, causing an average departure delay of 75 minutes and significant disruption during the busy Thanksgiving travel period.

This tornado serves as a reminder of the region’s volatile late-fall weather, which can produce dangerous storms quickly and with little warning. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels like the National Weather Service and to maintain safety plans in the event of future storms.