'Forever thankful for our hardworking crews': Turner’s office lauds cleanup efforts after tornadoes

After tornadoes ripped through Houston on Jan. 8, Mayor Sylvester Turner was quick to offer praise to Houston City Works for their quick response to clean up after the storms left the city in shambles. 

According to Fox 26, a total of six tornadoes touched down in the area, leading thousands of residents without power. According to the station, tornadoes were reported in Kingwood, near George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Twisters, according to the station, were also reported near Spring Ranch, Humble, Montgomery County and near Dayton. The cleanup started almost immediately, according to the station. 

"Spotlighting our City of Houston team working hard to clear storm debris in the aftermath of this weekend's tornadoes,” Turner’s office said on Twitter. “Forever thankful for our hardworking crews! We are extremely grateful no one was injured or killed and our thoughts are with those who suffered damage."

Area residents told the station it was miraculous that nobody was killed in the storm. The report also noted that people whose homes were not damaged have been stepping up to help neighbors who were not as lucky.

“Monday Motivation is Houston Public Works crews clearing Houston streets from storm debris after this weekend’s tornadoes,” Houston Public Works said on Twitter a day after the storms. “Our thoughts are with those who suffered damage. We are grateful no one was hurt or killed. Thank you to everyone who called 311 to help us clear the way."

The Fox 26 report also noted that people whose homes were not damaged have been stepping up to help neighbors who were not as lucky.

"Helped them take the downed branches to the roadway, just checked on them make sure they were OK,” resident Paul Winders told the news outlet. “Walked the street to make sure everybody had any supplies they needed." 

John and Michelle Reynolds, who have lived in his childhood home for 19 years, told Fox 26 the storm was frightening, noting that they heard a loud noise. 

John Reynolds told the station he grew up in the home before they purchased it from his parents, and after more than 40 years it was hard to see the destruction caused by the tornado. 

The Reynolds and their daughter escaped unhurt and the couple both told the station they were thankful nobody was injured during the tornadoes.