'It's not there' | Splendora resident recalls moment they saw their house after it was likely damaged by a tornado

SPLENDORA, Texas — A Montgomery County couple said their home was heavily damaged by Saturday’s strong tornadoes.

An EF-3 tornado hit Montgomery County, damaging homes and buildings from Porter Heights to Splendora.

One couple said they came home from work to see their home severely damaged. Despite the loss, they are grateful no one was hurt.

“It was horrible knowing that I was hours away,” Joseph Korona said. He was on a work trip when his phone started blowing up.

His home security system was sending him multiple notifications. Then, he called his wife.

“I hear her say, sorry I try not to be choked up, she was like ‘Oh I see the house, oh my god it’s not there,’ screams, hangs up,” Korona said.

What appears to be a tornado destroyed their roof. While surveying the damage, Korona is surprised that some things, like an American flag in his front yard, were untouched.

“It’s a sign of hope,” Korona said.

After the storm came through, rain passed, causing water damage throughout the house. Part of the roof was tossed into the backyard.

It’s just one of hundreds of buildings damaged throughout Montgomery County. An estimated 30 buildings were destroyed, according to emergency officials.

Nearby homes that were under construction are now mostly scrap. Korona said friends from across Houston are helping them recover.

He’s not angry, but still accepting the reality his family faces.

“Tornados don’t discriminate, they hit everybody, whoever is in their path is going to get hit. I personally have a love for weather and it brings me a new perspective, I truly understand what the destructive force can do,” he said.

He and his wife are in a hotel for the next four weeks.

Montgomery County officials are asking impacted residents to report damage. Crews from the county’s Office of Emergency Management will be informing residents about available assistance programs for homeowners.