Severe storms damaged homes and sent debris flying in Kirby. Now, residents are being urged to document damage to help the city seek aid.
KIRBY, Texas — City leaders in Kirby are urging residents to document storm damage after severe weather tore through neighborhoods overnight, damaging homes, ripping away carports and sending debris flying. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports the storm brought wind gusts of up to 60 mph to the area.
The NWS has confirmed a short-lived EF-1 tornado in southern Guadalupe County tied to the same storm system. However, NWS has not confirmed whether a tornado touched down in Kirby. Bexar County officials said confirmation may not come until later this week.
Kirby Police Chief Roxanne Cardona said the city received a tornado warning around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Soon after, calls from frightened residents began.
“We received our first phone call from a resident very upset saying that a tornado had touched down,” Cardona said.
Gordon Cooper Drive was among the areas hit hardest by the storm. Cardona said early reports included significant damage to homes, fences, vehicles, carports and trees.
“They had three vehicles inside of their carport when the carport itself lifted up and dispersed all around the cul-de-sac and also three blocks down,” Cardona said.
City crews said at least 30 homes were damaged. Cardona said that number could change as crews continue assessing neighborhoods with help from Bexar County Emergency Management.
The damage included “fences, cars, carports that flew away,” Cardona said.
Cardona said first responders went door to door after the storm to check on residents.
“We have a lot of disabled, elderly. This is an older community,” Cardona said.
No deaths, injuries or displacements were reported, according to the city.
For Kirby resident Roy Romero, the storm hit while he was watching the Spurs game at home.
“All of a sudden it sounds like our roof is literally peeling off the house,” Romero said.
Minutes earlier, Romero said he had been sitting beneath his patio awning. He said he initially was not focused on the weather.
“I wasn’t paying attention to the rain,” Romero said. “I was frustrated with the Spurs — not with the Spurs, but with the refs, you know?”
When the storm calmed down, Romero walked outside and realized the awning was gone. He later found it in his neighbor’s front yard.
“It was blown right here in one piece,” Romero said, pointing to the front corner of his neighbor’s home. “The whole thing came off in one piece. It floated over my house and landed right here.”
Romero said the damage could have been worse if the winds had shifted slightly.
“My RV could have been peeled open like a can opener,” he said.
Inside the home, Romero’s son, Jose, said the family prepared to take shelter in a closet.
“My dad was clearing out the closet so we could all get inside,” Jose said.
His sister also jumped into action.
“My sister, she was like, getting ready for the storm,” Jose said. “She was getting food and water in some bags.”
Jose said the experience was frightening.
“This happened just last night and it was crazy,” he said. “I was scared. It was very scary.”
Crews with Bexar County Emergency Management are continuing to assess the damage. The county is also bringing in dumpsters to help residents clear debris from their front yards.
Officials said documenting the damage is an important step that could help Kirby qualify for recovery assistance.
“Enough reports must be submitted for the state to potentially recognize the event for disaster assistance eligibility,” Mayor Janeshia Grider said.
Residents are encouraged to take photos of storm damage and submit them through the state’s iSTAT assessment tool here.
Officials said the collective damage will be expensive, and the city is working to connect residents with resources.
Even after a scary night, Romero said he is already thinking about rebuilding.
“This time I’m going to get an awning that has a TV that comes down with a built-in air conditioner,” Romero said. “Spurs-themed awning!”