Just before 3 p.m., the National Weather Service said a "large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly tornado" was on the ground near Pasadena and headed toward Baytown. The tornado emergency warning was the first ever issued for the Houston area.
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The majority of the storm damage was focused in the Pasadena area, where vehicles were tossed about, buildings were ripped to shreds, and one injury was reported. Authorities say that injury was considered non-life-threatening.
As a result, Pasadena ISD planned to close campuses on Wednesday due to continued power outages. Meanwhile, the San Jacinto College system, including its Central campus in Pasadena, will be open for regular classes and activities Wednesday.
READ MORE: Large, destructive tornado causes massive damage around Pasadena
ABC13 had several crews all over the city to cover the storm's impact.
SkyEye captured images of leveled homes and toppled trees in the Bliss Meadows neighborhood off Spencer Highway. Residents reported power and gas outages. Tuesday night, the homes were in the dark. Many residents were staying elsewhere. ABC13 talked to Barbara Buckner about her dramatic experience before she and her family headed to a friend's house for the night.
"I was standing in the hallway, and I watched the windows in my house blow in, and we ran screaming into the shower," Buckner said. "And here we are. My son-in-law, my daughter, my new baby, and myself are standing in the shower. We're screaming. The house was shaking like this. It was the scariest thing ever."
Pasadena storm damage: Severe weather, tornado caused major destruction across the city
Charity buildings damaged in Pasadena
Some buildings near Pansy used for charity were severely damaged in the storm. A man who said is part of the charity organization talked to ABC13 about how he witnessed the powerful tornado.
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Buildings used by charities in Pasadena suffered storm damage
Storm survivor describes riding out the Pasadena tornado
A CrossFit business owner and now storm survivor talked to us describing how he and his buddies had to seek cover in the restroom of his business to survive. He said he's glad they could all make it alive.
Storm survivor describes riding out the Pasadena tornado
Couple rides out dangerous tornado in travel trailer
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A Pasadena couple in an RV shared their experience, saying they had to crawl inside and reach the safest place they could.
Couple rode out dangerous tornado in travel trailer
Woman in tears after her dance studio suffers serious damage
ABC13's Miya Shay encountered an emotional dance instructor who injured her knee while trying to keep safe.
Woman in tears after her dance studio in Pasadena suffers serious damage
SEE MORE: Houston weather: Photos and video show severe storm damage and flooding from Tuesday's event
Wind gusts cause tree branches to damage trampoline in NE Houston