Severe storms, tornado cause damage across northern Harris County
Following a line of severe thunderstorms that moved across the northern portion of the Greater Houston area Nov. 24, emergency crews are working to assess and clear damage in affected areas.
According to the National Weather Service, several tornado watches and warnings were issued across the region due to at least one confirmed tornado, which impacted the Jersey Village, Spring and Klein areas. Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said via Facebook that over 100 homes were damaged due to the weather, and the constable’s office deployed drones to conduct aerial assessments and locate injured residents.
Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey has also deployed trucks to clear debris and roadways following the storm and suspected tornado damage.
For fallen trees and debris along roadways, residents are asked to report it to Harris County Precinct 3 at 713-274-3100, or by submitting a report at www.pct3.com/service-request.
Uncover the full story by Editor Jessica Shorten.
New Caney ISD high schools to add 15 minutes to each school day
Starting in the 2026-27 school year, 15 minutes will be added to each school day at New Caney ISD’s three main high schools to help with student learning, district officials said.
Beginning in August, the school day will begin five minutes sooner—at 7:40 a.m.—while class will be dismissed 10 minutes later—at 3:20 p.m.—daily for NCISD high schoolers. District officials said the schedule change is designed to give students time to receive academic support or advanced learning opportunities without taking time from their core classes.
“We’re always looking for ways to get better, to do what’s best for kids, to listen to our staff—just [to] strike that balance every day around here. ... We think this is what’s best for our kids and our teachers,” Superintendent Matt Calvert said.
Take a closer look with Reporter Emily Lincke.
Major projects in Humble and Kingwood result in increased water rates
A series of major water infrastructure projects spearheaded by the cities of Humble and Houston have resulted in increased water rates from both cities.
Officials said the projects are needed to meet new groundwater standards set by the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District to reduce the potential for subsidence. A total of four major water projects are currently underway in the Humble and Kingwood areas.
Among the projects is Humble’s $2.4 million water line project. Humble City Manager Jason Stuebe said the project will construct a roughly 3,000-foot water line connecting Houston’s water supply—located at the intersection of Hwy. 59 and Rankin Road—to Humble’s Water Well 6, located on Rankin Road.
“This is a vital project, ... [since the city of Humble needs] to take more surface water from the city of Houston,” Stuebe said.
Additionally, Phase 2 of Houston’s $1.97 billion expansion of the Northeast Water Purification Plant in Humble is expected to be substantially complete in late 2025, said Drew Molly, chief water officer for Houston Public Works.
Expand your knowledge with Reporter Wesley Gardner.
Waymo to launch fully autonomous driving in Houston and Dallas in coming weeks
The move comes as Waymo begins driverless operations in Miami, with launches planned in four additional cities—Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Orlando—over the next several weeks, according to a Nov. 18 news release.
Waymo leaders said expanding to new markets has become increasingly streamlined thanks to its “generalizable” Waymo Driver and a consistent operational playbook.
According to the company, the shift to fully autonomous driving—once viewed as a major technological leap—has become routine as its safety systems and deployment strategy mature.
Take a closer look with Reporter Nichaela Shaheen.
NRG Energy to build 455-megawatt natural gas power plant in Houston
A new $617 million natural gas power plant is slated to be built in east Houston after the project was selected for a loan by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
North American power company NRG Energy’s 455-megawatt power plant will provide power from the company’s Greens Bayou Generating Station to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' grid beginning in 2028. The new plant will connect with ERCOT’s Houston Load Zone, which provides power to Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands, and is one of Texas’ largest electricity centers.
“Our investment at Greens Bayou reflects NRG’s commitment to delivering dependable, dispatchable generation when Texans need it most,” said Robert J. Gaudette, NRG executive vice president and president of NRG business and wholesale operations. “These units will strengthen grid resilience, create local jobs and support economic vitality.”
See what the buzz is about with Reporter Emily Lincke.
