Manvel Mayor Dan Davis verified one person was killed when the tornado touched down in Alvin in Brazoria County.
The victim's family confirmed the woman's identity.
SkyEye flew over the storm-ravaged area and captured severe damage from the dangerous tornado, which hit Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin.
Donald Duncan's home was also severely damaged across the street from the school. "We're still in shock," Duncan said on Sunday morning, walking ABC13 through what's left of his home.
Duncan and about 10 other family members were inside celebrating a late Christmas when the storm passed.
"One of the boys said, 'My ears are ringing.' Next thing you know, the glass just busted out," Duncan said. "The tornado came through, woosh, that's when it ripped off the roof, there it went."
Duncan says none of his family members were hurt, and his landlord told him there would be another rental home he could move to.
As for Walt Disney Elementary, Alvin Independent School District officials surveyed the facilities on Sunday and are still awaiting word about where the students will go after winter break because the school needs extensive repairs.
The Brazoria County Sheriff's Office says that a tornado made landfall near Hillcrest Village and Liverpool. To help with public safety, deputies are on the scene and actively responding.
Authorities say to avoid the following areas: SH-35 from FM 2403 south to CR-192 and CR-191 from CR-172 to SH-35.
According to the Alvin Fire Department, many homes and schools near Mustang Road were severely damaged.
Authorities say Mustang Road will be shut down, and southbound lanes of Highway 35 will be closed.
No damage or deaths were reported in Manvel.