BEAUMONT, Texas — As Tropical Storm Beryl continues its march across Texas, photos are pouring in from across Southeast Texas showing severe property damage.
Heavy wind, rain, and even isolated tornados are battering several counties, leaving downed power lines and damaged property in its wake.
Vidor Police Chief Rod Carroll says his officers were busy working about 9 wrecks, all caused by hydroplaning.
However, water wasn't the only hazard on the road as strong winds peppered the highways with debris.
"We received a call about noon in reference to a carport that was now across the roadway in the area of the eastbound Tannahill. Luckily the owner had gotten out there with a pickup truck and tied a strap to the building so it could not blow onto the interstate," said Chief Carroll.
Chief Carroll also says part of the I10 frontage road near main street had to be shut down as crews worked to clean up the mess.
"What we were able to do was bring two graduals out from the city to crush the building. Then move it off the roadway so it wouldn't go flying, because realistically the way it was set up once it became unsecured it was like a kite. This thing was large enough to take up all three lanes on the interstate," said Carroll.
Falling trees also proved to be a major hazard across Southeast Texas.
Chief Carroll says of tree fell near Vidor High School, crushing a couples truck while they were still in it.
"The driver and passenger were transported just as a precautionary measure," said Chief Carroll.
Another tree fell near Simmons Road, this time crushing a house. The homeowner says that it just barely missed his 4-month-old granddaughter as it came crashing through the roof.
In Orange, County Judge John Gothia spent Monday monitoring water, and issued a disaster declaration in preparation of extensive flooding.
"If we get the rain that's expected to come from above us in the Toldeo Bend, Sam Rayburn, and that watershed up there that water has to be released to down here. That could certainty be a potential flood risk for us," said Gothia.
In Jasper Emergency crews have been making their rounds in neighborhoods, saving people trapped in their homes as well as clearing roads of fallen trees and powerlines.
Experts believe this damage was the result of a tornado that was kicked up by the outer bands of Beryl.
Highway 252 along County Road 356, just south of Jasper was hit the hardest, forcing many drivers to find a detour route.
About a mile away, residents along County Road 297 experienced devastating destruction.
Resident Cartrell Thomson says he was awakened by a tornado ripping off his second story roof.
"The top opened up and I was trying to get down, and the wind kept trying to pull me back. So I had to grab hold to the stairs to pull myself down and get to them. It's devastating, you know?" said Thomson.
Cartrell's Daughter, Charitee, and her mother were downstairs when the tornado struck their house.
She says water and debris came through their ceiling, then when they went to look outside they found their new car underneath a neighbors fallen tree.
"I knew it was going to hit us but I didn't think it was going to be this bad. I heard my car alarm go off then I came outside and saw a tree was on my car!" said Charitee.
Family and friends set up a Gofundme for the Thompson's. They're asking for help as they begin to rebuild.
Viewers across Southeast Texas are sending in photos of the damage that they have encountered.
Tropical Storm Beryl Southeast Texas damage
DURING THE STORM
- If you are advised to evacuate, leave as soon as possible. Retain all related receipts - they may be considered in your claim. If you aren't in a recommended evacuation and you plant to stay home, stay informed by listening to weather alerts
- Keep windows and doors closed at all time, and, if possible, board them up with wooden or metal shutters
- Stay away from the windows and in the center of the room, or, stay in an interior room
- Avoid flood water, as it may be electrically charged from downed power lines
- Check on family members and friends
AFTER THE STORM
- Check to be sure your family members are safe
- If you did evacuate, wait for official notice that it is safe to re-enter your neighborhood and your house
- Document damaged property, and take photos and videos. Don't dispose of any damaged items without approval
- Keep a record of any temporary repairs or expenses to prevent further damage to your property.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.