BEAUMONT, Texas — Severe weather and tornadoes made their way through the state Tuesday, bringing serious damage to parts of Southeast Texas.
Multiple Southeast Texas counties and other counties across the state were under tornado watches and warnings Tuesday. As the line of storms made their way across the state, thousands were left without power.
As confirmed tornadoes hit the ground, residents were encouraged to take cover. Some Southeast Texas cities were left seriously damaged by Tuesday's severe weather.
Video from Port Arthur showed torrential downpours and strong winds affecting the area. A 12News crew saw debris in the streets and stop signs ripped from the ground.
Two neighborhoods in Port Arthur that were hit the hardest were Taylor Landing and Port Acres.
"The whole house was shaking,” Junilyn Rabago, Taylor Landing resident, said. “The doors were shaking. The windows were shaking. It was so traumatic."
One house in the Port Acres area was left seriously damaged after a tree fell onto it.
Those who sustained any storm-related damage are encouraged to go to the Texas Division of Emergency Management website and fill out the iSTAT damage assessment.
A confirmed tornado also swept through Orange County. During the peak of storm, more than 17,000 residents were left without power.
A 12News crew in the area saw the aftermath which included downed power lines, downed signs and a tipped over an 18-wheeler on Highway 62 and Interstate 10 in Orange. The overturned 18-wheeler led caused a major traffic jam.
Those staying in the La Quinta near Highway 62 said there was water coming into their rooms.
City of West Orange officials said crews are removing debris from the street are urging drivers to be cautious while on the road. Anyone who needs to report any debris on streets or in ditches Wednesday morning after 8 a.m. can call 409-883-3468.
One resident told 12News a tornado passed right by his house in Bridge City on Colonial Estates Drive.
Numerous Southeast Texas schools ended classes early Tuesday to keep staff and students safe. Some districts will resume normal class times Wednesday while others have canceled classes due to storm-related damage and power outages.
Here are a list of schools that have canceled classes for Wednesday, January 25, 2023:
- Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD
- Orangefield ISD
- Bridge City ISD
- West Orange-Cove ISD
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.