Houston woman injured by roof collapse

HOUSTON — As Beryl approaches Houston, the storm’s outer rainbands have already damaged at least one home.

In Houston’s Near Northside neighborhood, a woman was injured when rain caused the ceiling of her home to collapse and fall on her.

Martha Kilpatrick and her family had to deal with the damage as Beryl moved closer to the Gulf Coast. Rafters were exposed and the floor was covered in drywall.

Kilpatrick said she believes severe storms in May weakened the roof and ceiling, allowing this to happen.

“All this rain came down and this thing went ‘boom’ and came right down on my neck and it hit them (the family) in the head and then it hit my neck and my back,” Kilpatrick said.

Houston firefighters responded to the scene and helped set up a tarp, but the Kilpatrick family said they were worried about staying home overnight.

“When it rains more, what do you think will happen?” asked family member Teanisha Fontenot. “It only took a little while for it to fall, so we’re worried right now.”

Houstonians across the city are waiting to see what Beryl will bring when he reaches the city, which is expected early Monday.