Two tornados hit Wharton County early Thursday
WHARTON COUNTY, Texas – In the early morning hours of Thursday, June 12, 2025, two tornados ripped through Wharton County, leaving behind a trail of damaged homes, snapped trees, and uprooted structures across rural roads and neighborhoods.
The first tornado, rated EF-1, touched down around 3:05 a.m. just northeast of Wharton, behind an apartment complex. It moved eastward, crossing County Road 166, CR 133, and CR 129. Wind speeds were estimated at 100 mph (161 km/h), strong enough to rip roofs, break large tree limbs, and cause significant structural damage.
The worst destruction occurred along Everett Lane and Holiness Lane, just south of CR 166, where at least 10 homes suffered roof damage and vehicles were also impacted, according to Wharton County emergency management.
Second tornado near Burr confirmed
The second tornado, rated EF-0, began around 3:20 a.m. near the community of Burr. It traveled west across CR 117, producing minor tree damage. Along CR 111, an older shed lost its roof, one of the more visible signs of its passage. Wind speeds here reached up to 75 mph (121 km/h).
NWS tracking storm paths and widths
The National Weather Service (NWS) released preliminary data showing the paths, widths, and duration of both twisters. The EF-1 tornado’s track cut through residential zones and rural infrastructure, while the EF-0 remained more contained to open areas, sparing populated structures from major harm.
While no injuries have been officially reported, residents across Wharton County are left assessing the aftermath and working with local authorities to begin the recovery process.
Morning of disruption for southeast Texas
The tornados struck during a broader system of severe thunderstorms impacting southeast Texas, waking residents just before dawn and prompting emergency alerts. Rainfall, gusting winds, and electrical outages were reported as far as Fort Bend and Matagorda Counties, although Wharton County bore the brunt of the tornadic activity.
