Strong storms move through southeast Texas

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Storms moved through the Channel 13 viewing area today and damage is being reported in certain parts of southeast Texas.

In the city of Goodrich in Polk County, a barn that survived both Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Ike was torn down earlier Thursday. Witnesses say it happened just after lunchtime, when the city was getting pounded by high winds, heavy rain and hail.

One neighbor told the barn's owner Marsha Pugh she watched as the barn collapsed by what she thought a tornado. Pugh, who wasn't home at the time, says she considers herself lucky.

"Nobody was hurt and that's the important part," she said.

Pugh the barn was holding a mule that became trapped but luckily, she was was able to save it.

Polk County officials say no other structural damage was reported but several trees were toppled on Windham Ranch Road.

No weather-related injuries have been reported there.

The Houston area dodged the worst of the Thursday storms, but counties to the east of us still face some threats. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7pm for Hardin, Tyler, Jasper, Newton, and Orange counties.

If you see damage from today's storms, send a photo or video to news@abc13.com. But please don't put yourself in harm's way to get the shot.

Stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for the very latest on today's weather. You can also follow the ABC13 Weather Team on Facebook and Twitter.

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