Houston Area Recovers After Thanksgiving Week Storms
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, residents across the Houston area are assessing the damage and beginning recovery efforts after severe storms, including at least two confirmed tornadoes, swept through local communities this past Monday. While no injuries were reported, the storms caused significant structural damage to over 100 homes and complicated the start of a busy travel week for many.
Tornadoes Leave a Mark on Houston Suburbs
On Monday, November 24, 2025, powerful storms tore through several Houston suburbs, bringing high winds and widespread destruction. The National Weather Service confirmed at least two tornadoes: one in Cypress with winds up to 105 mph (168 kph) and another near Klein with winds reaching 115 mph (185 kph).
Kenny Beck, a 46-year-old resident of Cypress, described the scene at his family’s home: “Half my roof on the back is gone. We’ve lost a lot of ceiling because of the rain. Our garage door got sucked in.” His family, who have lived in their home for 20 years, will need to relocate temporarily while repairs are made, hoping to return in a few months to continue making memories.
Power Outages and Personal Accounts
The immediate aftermath saw more than 20,000 customers without power at one point on Monday. Many residents sought shelter, with some hiding in closets as the severe weather hit. Beck’s 13-year-old son was home alone during the storm, taking refuge in a closet. Though unharmed, he was understandably shaken, recounting how he felt the house shake and heard the wind howl as objects fell and broke around him.
Repair Efforts Underway
In communities like Spring and Memorial Northwest, the focus has quickly shifted to cleanup and repair. Workers could be seen across affected subdivisions Tuesday afternoon, addressing damaged roofs and clearing fallen trees. Sam Parker, owner of Texas Advantage Roofing, witnessed a tornado firsthand while working in a Spring subdivision. He noted that while many homes suffered roof damage, others sustained more severe structural impacts, leading to “catastrophic” situations for homeowners.
Broader Thanksgiving Travel Impacts
While Houston deals with the storm’s aftermath, the wider nation is also bracing for holiday travel disruptions. A significant wintry storm system is developing in the northern U.S., impacting North Dakota, Minnesota (including Minneapolis), and parts of the northern Great Lakes with snowfall expected into Wednesday. Parts of North and South Dakota have already seen up to 8 inches of snow, leading to closures on Interstate 94 and Interstate 29 due to ice and low visibility.
Looking ahead to Thanksgiving Day, the forecast for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City predicts dry, cold, and breezy conditions. However, parts of western New York and northern Michigan are preparing for significant lake-effect snow from Wednesday through Friday, potentially causing further travel delays for those traversing central and northern parts of the country.
Storm Impact Comparison: Houston vs. National
| Region | Primary Impact | Key Details for Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Area | Tornadoes & Structural Damage | Local recovery efforts; potential for local travel disruptions due to debris/road closures. |
| Upper Midwest | Wintry Storms & Snow | Significant snow (up to 8 inches); interstate closures (I-94, I-29) affecting ground travel. |
| Northeast | Developing Storms, Lake-Effect Snow | Potential for lake-effect snow in western NY/northern MI; NYC Parade cold but clear. |
Frequently Asked Questions for Houstonians
- When did the severe storms hit Houston?
The severe weather, including confirmed tornadoes, struck the Houston area on Monday, November 24, 2025. - What areas in Houston were most affected?
Cypress, Klein, Spring, and the Memorial Northwest subdivision experienced significant damage from the tornadoes and high winds. - Were there any injuries reported from the Houston storms?
Thankfully, despite the widespread damage to homes and property, no injuries were reported from Monday’s storms in the Houston area. - How might these storms affect my local Thanksgiving plans?
While the immediate storm has passed, local road closures due to debris or ongoing repair work might affect travel within affected neighborhoods. Be mindful of workers and safety crews. - What is the outlook for repairs in damaged Houston homes?
Repair efforts are underway, with many homeowners facing temporary displacement. The full extent and duration of repairs will vary, but some residents anticipate needing several months before they can return home.
As our community navigates the aftermath of these severe storms during a busy holiday period, remember to prioritize safety, stay informed about local conditions, and support neighbors in need.
Houston Tornadoes Damage Homes Recovery Underway
