Tornadoes in North Texas: A Weekend of Severe Weather
In the midst of a turbulent weekend of weather, seven tornadoes were reported in counties to the west of Fort Worth. The damage and strength of each storm varied — some just affected tree branches while one caused “the near total loss” of Gordon ISD’s athletic facilities, according to the district’s Facebook page.
A survey team from the National Weather Service assessed the damage. Here’s what they found:
Understanding Tornado Classification
Tornadoes are classified based on their wind speed using the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale). The scale ranges from EF-0, which is the least severe, to EF-5, which is the most severe. The EF Scale takes into account the damage caused by the tornado and the wind speed.
EF-1 Tornadoes
Two EF-1 tornadoes were reported, which means they had wind gusts between 86-110 miles per hour. Both were in Palo Pinto County. The first tornado touched down about two miles north of Mingus and its path was about half a mile long, the weather service said. Its wind speeds peaked at 105 miles per hour.
The most significant damage was observed on private property, where pecan trees were uprooted and sheet metal was ripped off the roof of a metal shed. Many other branches and small tree trunks were also snapped.
The second EF-1 formed north of Gordon and moved into the town with a path over two miles long. Its wind speeds also peaked at 105 miles per hour. Roof, tree and power pole damage in town were all observed by the weather service.
The Gordon ISD athletic facilities sustained serious damage, according to the district’s Facebook page. The field, track, bleachers, scoreboards, field house, weight room and the concession stand were all “destroyed,” per the post.
Damage to Gordon ISD Athletic Facilities
“We are currently working with our insurance provider, engineers, and architect to assess the full scope of the damage,” the post said. “It’s clear that the athletic facility will require a complete rebuild.”
The district, which previously announced it would be closed all week, said in the post it planned to reopen May 27 to celebrate the end of the school year with students. Several minor injuries were reported in connection with the Gordon tornado, and four people were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The weather service said they were all released by the following morning. The difference between life and death in a tornado can be a matter of seconds, and experts say that being prepared and knowing what to do before and during a tornado can save lives.
EF-0 Tornadoes
Four EF-0 tornadoes were reported — two in Palo Pinto County, one in Eastland County and one in Parker County. EF-0 tornadoes are less severe, with wind speeds from 65-85 miles per hour.
The first to develop was about six miles northwest of Eastland, near the intersection of Highway 112 and County Road 331. Its path was about 3.25 miles long and wind speeds topped out at 80 miles per hour, according to the weather service.
Large 4- to 5-inch tree branches snapped along the path and a house sustained some minor damage. The supercell that had caused some of the earlier tornadoes continued east and produced more around Santo in Palo Pinto County.
Two of these tornadoes occurred at the same time, which multiple people captured on video and shared with the weather service, per their preliminary report. Both of the Santo tornadoes were EF-0s that peaked at 80 miles per hour.
The one closer to town had a path just under a mile long, and the other’s path was under a half mile. Both of these tornadoes primarily damaged trees, but a few homes in Santo also sustained minor roof damage, according to the weather service.
Additional Tornadoes
Right after the simultaneous tornadoes, storm chaser video captured another tornado in the same area but the weather service was unable to assess damage. It is rated as EF-Unknown due to the lack of information.
Finally, another EF-0 tornado in Parker County peaked at 80 mile per hour winds and had a path about two miles long. Tree damage was observed along the path, and a barn was destroyed.
Conclusion
The weekend of severe weather in North Texas resulted in significant damage and several injuries. It is essential to stay informed and prepared for severe weather events, and to know what to do in case of a tornado.
Understanding tornado classification and the damage that each type of tornado can cause can help individuals and communities prepare and respond to these events. By staying safe and taking necessary precautions, we can reduce the risk of injury and property damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about tornadoes and severe weather:
Answers to these questions and more can help you stay informed and prepared for severe weather events. Stay safe, and stay informed!
