Menu

Dark Mode

News · 27 May 2024

Powerful Tornado Strikes Texas: Seven Dead, Hundreds of Homes Destroyed


					Powerful Tornado Strikes Texas: Seven Dead, Hundreds of Homes Destroyed Perbesar

VALLEY VIEW, Texas – A devastating tornado struck southern Cooke County on Saturday night, leaving at least seven people dead and causing widespread destruction.

Sheriff Ray Sappington reported that the powerful storm tore through a rural area near a mobile home park. The victims included two children, ages 2 and 5, and three family members who were found dead in a single home.

The tornado also destroyed a nearby truck stop where dozens of people had sought shelter. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported at the truck stop.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference in Valley View, revealed that close to 100 people were injured, and approximately 200 homes and businesses were destroyed. Many of the injured were transported to hospitals by ambulance and helicopter in Denton County, although the full extent of their injuries remains unknown.

The tornado’s path extended into Denton County, where it overturned tractor-trailers and halted traffic on Interstate 35. County spokesperson Dawn Cobb confirmed that a shelter was established in the rural town of Sanger to assist those affected.

At the height of the storm, 60 to 80 people were inside a highway truck stop, seeking refuge. Daylight revealed the extent of the damage, with aerial footage showing homes without roofs, reduced to rubble, and overturned cars. Residents were seen sifting through debris and assessing the damage, while neighbors offered support.

KGAF Radio in Gainesville reported significant damage at the Lake Ray Roberts marina and multiple homes destroyed in the area of CR 2131 and 2133.

Sheriff Sappington announced that a shelter has been set up at the First Baptist Church (ROC) at 503 North Lee St. in Valley View. The American Red Cross is on-site, providing aid to those impacted by the storm. Additionally, a feeding station for first responders and storm victims has been established at the Valley View United Methodist Church at 201 Church St. in Valley View.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating storm. We are working tirelessly to search for any missing persons and provide assistance to those in need. We urge everyone to stay safe and follow the guidance of emergency services,” the Cooke County Office of Emergency Management said in a statement.

The National Weather Service in Fort Worth gave a preliminary rating of high-end EF-2 to the tornado, estimating wind speeds of 135 miles per hour.

Governor Abbott signed disaster declarations for four additional counties on Sunday: Cooke, Collin, Denton, and Montague. He also stated that he had spoken with FEMA, which pledged support to help the victims.

Abbott urged Texans affected by the storm to report damage at damage.tdem.texas.gov and to contact their insurance companies promptly.

Local officials in Valley View have established a disaster relief fund at First National Bank in Gainesville for those who wish to donate.

Meanwhile, the Grayson County Office of Emergency Management reported no serious damage in their area. In southern Oklahoma, there were no significant reports of damage after a tornado-warned storm passed through Love County, where an EF-4 tornado struck the Marietta area last month.

According to Poweroutage.us, the storm left more than 4,700 customers without power in Collin County, over 1,400 in Denton County, more than 400 in Cooke County, and over 300 in Grayson County.

This article has been read 28 time

badge-check

Writer

Read More

Angela Rayner Cleared: No Police Action After Investigation into Living Arrangements

29 May 2024 - 10:38

Angela Rayner

Natwest Apologises To Customers After Natwest App Down

29 May 2024 - 10:28

Natwest App Down

Warner Bros Launches Games Multiversus

29 May 2024 - 09:42

Warner Bros

Biden Surrogate Robert De Niro: Trump ‘Absolutely’ Belongs in Jail

29 May 2024 - 09:32

Robert De Niro

Tory MP Lucy Allan Suspended After Backing Reform UK Opponent

28 May 2024 - 10:43

Lucy Allan
Trending on News