On Saturday, a tornado outbreak in North Texas turned deadly, claiming at least 11 lives.
Eight people were killed in Garland, all at Interstate 30 and the George Bush Turnpike. Another 15 people were injured in the city.
Another three were killed in Collin County. Two of those deaths occurred at a gas station in Copeville.
Garland Police Lt. Pedro Barineau confirmed eight people were killed in that city Saturday by a tornado that damaged two square miles traveling from the southwest to the northeast of the city. He also said 600 structures were damaged in the storm, the majority of which were residential homes.
The National Weather Services says the tornado that hit Garland has been rated an EF4. Winds in an EF4 tornado can reach 200 mph. It was the first EF4 tornado in Dallas County since 1950.
There are currently no reports of missing persons in Garland, but authorities will continue their search when the sun rises Sunday. The weather made the search more difficult overnight, as helicopters had to remain grounded.
In Rowlett, there were 23 injuries reported related to Saturday's storm. The primary and secondary search for survivors in the city is complete, and they have received no reports of missing persons.
The city manager said 39 homes in Rowlett were completely destroyed.
Rowlett Fire Chief Neil Howard said there have been "a couple" of reports of looting in the city, and he encouraged residents to stay home as authorities sort through the damage.
"Please stay home," Howard said. "If we need help, we'll call you."
The National Weather Service said Sunday morning the damage in Rowlett indicates yesterday's storm was "at least" an EF3 tornado. Winds in a EF3 tornado can reach up to 165 mph.
In Ellis County, another tornado damaged at least 100 homes Saturday and half of those were either destroyed or suffered serious damage. Officials say the tornado damaged a 17-square-mile area. Two people were injured there and one was in critical condition Sunday.
In all, the National Weather Service in Fort Worth is looking into 11 reports of tornadoes across North Texas on Saturday. That number is likely to decline as the NWS sorts through their data on the storms. The NWS said two of its crews will be out surveying damage Sunday, but it will be "several days" before they get to all the affected areas.
Last night, Texas Task Force 1, a statewide urban search and rescue team, was activated to aid in the search for survivors in North Texas.
Those who have lost or found pets in Saturday's storms can check the Lost & Found Pets from North Texas Tornadoes and Friends of Rowlett Animals Facebook pages for postings.
While no more tornadoes are expected Sunday in North Texas, the severe weather threat has not passed entirely. Periods of rain will continue through Sunday afternoon, and a final surge of rainfall is expected Sunday evening with heavy rain possible. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 6 a.m. Monday.
We'll have more updates here throughout the morning.
Red Cross Shelter Locations
- Garland - Gale Field Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road
- Midlothian - Longbranch Elementary School, 6631 FM 1387
- Ovilla - Grace Church, 519 S. Westmoreland Road
- Red Oak - Red Oak Middle School, 154 Louise Ritter Blvd.
- Rowlett - Steadham Elementary School, 6200 Danridge Road
Salvation Army Meals and Clean-up Kits
- The Salvation Army will be serving lunch today at three locations to help those affected by Saturday's tornadoes: Community Center, 5300 Main Street in Rowlett; Lakeview Centennial High School, 3505 Hayman Drive in Garland; and Longbranch Elementary School, 6631 FM 1387 in Midlothian
- They will also be distributing household cleaning kits that include a mop, squeegee, bucket, sponge, rubber gloves, and other cleaning supplies. They will be available until 3 p.m. Sunday at the following locations: Community Center, 5300 Main Street in Rowlett; The Salvation Army, 451 W. Avenue D in Garland; and Longbranch Elementary School, 6631 FM 1387 in Midlothian
How to Help
