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Tornadoes reported in Wharton County Thursday; damage in El Campo

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Published  December 27, 2024 6:52am CST
Severe Weather
FOX 26 Houston

Tornadoes sweep through Houston area, triggering warnings across multiple counties

Severe weather has struck the Houston metro area, with several tornadoes touching down and prompting warnings in multiple counties.

The Brief

    • Tornado Confirmation: The Wharton County Sheriff's Office confirmed three tornadoes touched down on Thursday afternoon, with no reported injuries or significant damage.
    • Farm Damage: The Strnadel family farm experienced damage, including a barn roof being ripped off and a wall torn down, though fortunately, no livestock or crops were affected.
    • Eyewitness Accounts: Videos of the tornado circulated quickly, with Reid Strnadel recognizing his family's property in one clip. Across the highway, Ryan witnessed the tornado lifting a roof off a forklift, highlighting the storm's power.

The Wharton County Sheriff's office says three tornadoes were confirmed Thursday afternoon, saying there weren't any injuries or significant damage to report. 

But, off of County Road 405 near Highway 59, some damage can be seen to a couple of structures that sit on the Strnadel family farm. 

Videos of the twister circulated quickly, and Reid Strnadel was sent one around 2 p.m. 

"She sent a video of a tornado, and I was like… That looks like our place!"

The roof of one barn was ripped off and the wall of another structure torn down. 

"Its a lot of cleanup, but luckily no cows or bulls in the pen and no crops in the field. It could have been worse," said Reid. 

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Across the highway, Ryan, who was working at the time, witnessed the same tornado. 

"All of a sudden the roof gets lifted off the forklift," he said. 

"It makes you feel small, it's kind of a big deal to be so close to something so powerful," he said. 

Severe WeatherWharton County