'This is bad, but people will recover' | Recovery efforts underway after EF-3 tornado rips through Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY, Texas — Montgomery County is grappling with the aftermath of a powerful EF-3 tornado that left a trail of destruction.

The Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said 8 to 10 people sustained minor injuries due to the storm. No deaths were confirmed.

About 302 structures in the area sustained damage. About 30 of those were destroyed.

The hardest-hit area, Porter Heights, is now a hub of recovery efforts as neighbors, volunteers and utility crews come together to help those impacted.

Terri Hackl, a volunteer with On Point Rescue from Splendora, said a constable called her group to assist people across the county.

“This is bad, but people will recover,” Hackl said. “This community is tight. We’re seeing that a lot. These people—they’re not getting paid to be out here. Our entire team is volunteers.”

Hackl’s group, along with other volunteers, have been working to cut down trees and clear debris.

The storm caused widespread power outages. Crews from Entergy and other contractors were out Sunday working to restore power.

Many residents face a long road to recovery.

“These people out here are really hurting,” Hackl said. “Most of them don’t have any insurance, and this is their home—this is where they have to live.”

The Montgomery County OEM said they will be going to impacted neighborhoods to give information on assistance programs. 

For residents displaced by the severe weather, a shelter remains open at the East Montgomery County Community Development Center at 16401 1st Street in Splendora. The shelter is providing a safe and warm space for those in need.