KATY, Texas (KTRK) — The manager of a Katy storage facility says a tornado crossed the Katy Freeway early this morning before slamming right into their offices.
A trail of twisted metal, auto parts and debris can be seen strewn across the parking lot and lawn of RV, Boat & Mini Storage in the 27200 block of the Katy Freeway.
We spoke to a man named BJ there, who manages the facility.
He said after a long night of work ensuring people’s belongings were safe, a tornado tore the place apart.
But it was floodwaters BJ thought they’d be battling against, not a possible tornado.
“We were here last night, and we basically had the place sealed up so water couldn’t get in,” BJ said. “My partner called me in the morning at 6 o’clock and said everything was destroyed. A tornado had came through around 5:30, and crossed I-10. Totally ruined the office.”
BJ said the business sells and repairs cargo trailers and miscellaneous auto parts, including wheels.
Power lines fell across the property, prompting Centerpoint Energy to send crews to help get things back in order and to restore power.
A woman who apparently was at the business late last night managed to leave before the building she was in was destroyed.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from this dramatic scene.
The damage appears to have been limited to just the mini storage office and one other building, but still, a huge mess to clean up this morning in Katy.
The National Weather Service has not yet confirmed if a tornado damaged the business, but it certainly would appear consistent with tornado damage.
by Miya Shay
Saturday, August 26, 2017
