Powerful tornado rips through Pasadena area, damaging buildings and vehicles, police say

PASADENA, Texas – A large and destructive tornado ripped through the Pasadena area Tuesday afternoon during severe thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS also confirmed the tornado moved across southern Harris County, near I-45 and Beltway 8 South. The tornado continued east and northeast through Pasadena, Deer Park and the Houston Ship Channel.

A storm survey was scheduled for Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. A meteorologist, with the NWS, determined that the damage in southeast Houston was from an EF-2 tornado.

RELATED: See videos, photos from confirmed tornado in Deer Park, structural collapse in Baytown and damaged homes in SE Houston

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said its office has received reports of possible impacts to buildings in the 6100 block of Spencer Highway. It is unknown if anyone has been injured.

Animal shelter destroyed

One of the damaged buildings was a Pasadena animal shelter, Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue. The animal shelter said the building was destroyed by the tornado and now its animals need a safe place to stay.

The Facebook post read the following: “The Pasadena Animal Shelter was destroyed by a tornado today. We have a volunteer heading there now to see how we can help but all of the dogs are going to need a safe place. If you have any room (even in your garage) and have the heart to open your home to any of these poor animals now is the time to step up! This is going to take the rescue village!”

The Mayor of Pasadena, Jeff Wagner, said there is severe damage to the animal shelter and roughly 70 animals that are sheltered there will be taken to the adoption center next door, which was not impacted. Wagner confirmed that two dogs were injured during the tornado and going to be taken to vets for treatment.

It is unknown if any other animals were injured or killed.

Houston PetSet said it is headed to the damaged animal shelter and mobilizing rescuers and volunteers to care for more than 150 dogs.

Traffic closures due to storm debris, downed powerlines

The city of Pasadena has asked residents to stay away from the following areas due to tornado damage in southeast Harris County:

• Beltway 8 at Genoa Red Bluff
• Fairmont Parkway at Mickey Gilley Boulevard
• Burke at Crenshaw

The Pasadena Police Department has reported downed power lines at Burke and Parkridge. The department also reports several commercial trucks overturned in the area near Beltway 8 and Fairmont, and Beltway 8 and Vista.

Harris County Pct. 8 dispatched confirmed deputies were working a trail derailment at SH 225 due to the tornado. It is unknown if there were any injuries.

School closures

Late Tuesday, Pasadena ISD announced campuses would be closed after the storms left significant damage to homes and caused major power outages.

How to help

Pasadena police said Red Cross and the Salvation Army were in the area Tuesday to assist residents in need and distribute clean-up kits at Burke Road and Yellowstone Drive.

Mayor Wagner said the Salvation Army provided over 300 meals to residents and will continue to serve hot meals on Wednesday at 4102 Yellowstone Drive.

READ: Impacted by storm damage? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about filing a claim

On Wednesday, an Academy Sports + Outdoors in Pasadena will offer free cases of 24-count bottled water to the public, while supplies last. Customers can look for an 18-wheeler parked in front of the store to pick up their free case.

Wagner also said the city’s first shelter has reached compacity and officials are expected to open another one some time Wednesday.

For those who would like to help, money donations and animal food contribution can be made by visiting https://www.pasadenatx.gov/615/Donations.