Tornado Relief Efforts in Harris County
A week after two tornadoes struck Spring and Cypress northwest of Houston, Harris County is offering resources to dispose of debris from the storm. The tornadoes caused significant damage to the area, with 217 buildings affected, 13 of which were heavily damaged.
Debris Disposal
Residents in the impacted areas of Spring and Cypress can put debris on their curbs for pick-up beginning on Monday. However, pickup does not include "normal household trash," which follows normal garbage pickup scheduling. Vegetative debris, construction and demolition debris, damaged home appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators, and damaged electronics can all be picked up. These items must be separated into categories, and home appliances and electronics require proof of registered storm damage for pickup.
Drop-Off Services
Harris County is offering free tornado drop-off services through this weekend for construction, vegetative, and demolition debris. Cypress residents can drop off debris at Deputy Darren Goforth Park, and Spring residents can drop off at Kissing Tree Park. The drop-off locations will operate from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday, Dec. 1, through Friday, Dec. 5, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7.
Additional Resources
Harris County is also telling residents affected by the tornadoes to turn to Trinity Klein Lutheran Church, Northwest Assistance Ministries, Cypress Assistance Ministries, and the American Red Cross Disaster Assistance for additional resources. These organizations can provide support and aid to those who have been impacted by the tornadoes.
The Tornadoes
The two tornadoes touched down in the Houston area on Nov. 24 as a line of thunderstorms moved through the region, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service announced that a tornado with estimated peak wind speeds of 110 mph struck the Riata Ranch area in Cypress, followed by a tornado with peak wind speeds of 116 mph in the Klein area about 20 minutes later. No injuries were reported, but the latter tornado caused significant property damage.
Community Response
In an interview, Harris County’s Precinct 3 Commissioner, Tom S. Ramsey, praised the community’s response to the disaster. "It just speaks to the communities that we serve, that not only do they work with us so well, but with each other," he said. "Neighbors helping neighbors. Our folks are trying to help with the big stuff, they’re out there literally raking limbs in the yard—because this happened so close to Thanksgiving, they were just trying to get the homes ready to have some bit of a Thanksgiving celebration in some of these homes.”
Conclusion
The tornadoes that struck Spring and Cypress have caused significant damage and disruption to the community. However, thanks to the efforts of Harris County and local organizations, residents are receiving the support they need to recover. With debris disposal services, drop-off locations, and additional resources available, the community is coming together to rebuild and move forward. As the community continues to recover, it is clear that the spirit of neighborly help and support will be a key factor in the healing process.
