Displaced residents turn to Red Cross following tornado in SW Houston
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- More than 40 people spent the night at an emergency shelter in west Houston, according to Red Cross workers. The shelter at the Chinese Community Center, at 9800 Town Park Drive, opened after a twister touched down inside the Beltway early Sunday morning. They face an uncertain future after city officials declared their homes unsafe.
Photos of damage from around the Houston area
The EF1 tornado, packing 100 miles per hour winds, slammed into the Rockport Apartments on Nairn Street around 6:30am. Authorities ordered residents from 10 buildings out, describing dangerous conditions. The rest of the complex remained without power.
From above and on the ground, the damage seemed almost surreal. Eyewitness News crews witnessed roofs blown off, windows blasted out, and debris littered the complex. Some even remained wedged up in tree branches.
The American Red Cross told Eyewitness News the shelter will remain open as long as it's needed. For those who'd like to help, they say direct donations are the best means. You can donate at redcross.org.
