A tornado and several powerful claps of thunder tore through the Dallas area Sunday night, Oct. 20, according to National Weather Service in Fort Worth. The disaster ruined homes and businesses, lifted debris at least three miles in the air, and left thousands of residences without electricity.
Oncor, Dallas' largest utility company, said the severe storms bringing 70 miles per hour wind, lightning, torrential downpour, and hail left at least 65,000 individuals without power supply on Sunday night. Oncor posted on its official Twitter account that damage is notable in the areas where the tornado touched down.
The City of Dallas, according to Dallas Morning News, prioritized checking on the residents through a door-to-door search. In a news release, Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire-Rescue are evaluating damaged establishments and would continue to do so during the night. Dozens of downed traffic signals, as well as reports of a natural gas leak, were noted.
Nine people likewise suffered non-critical injuries related to the storm. Rocky Vaz, director of the Dallas Office of Emergency Management, told The Washington Post six people sustained injuries after an 18-wheeler overturned due to road conditions while the tornado happened. Three people were hospitalized for other non-life-threatening injuries related to the storm.
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department confirmed that a tornado formed two miles north of Dallas Love Field Airport shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday. It was moving east, according to the department.
Both Dallas and Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport announced general departure delays and arrival delays in the flights. Several flights were experiencing a 15-minute delay in arrivals in both airports.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth called the tornado "a life-threatening situation." They added a "complete destruction is possible" due to the seriousness of the threat.
The Morning News said that more tornadoes were reported in Rockwall counties and other parts of southern Dallas. Thunderstorm warnings remained in place as of early Monday.
Photos of widespread destruction of the tornado in North Texas went viral on social media. Roofless homes, collapsed power lines and trees, and severely damaged structure could be seen.
A radar data shows the wreckage of homes and establishments in the Preston Hollow community that were lifted three miles into the air. The area near Southern Methodist University is home to former U.S. President George W. Bush and first lady.
They were reportedly unharmed in the storm. Bush's spokesperson told KTVT the family got "lucky" and were praying for the safety of the neighbors surrounding the DFW.
Tina Devlin, a Dallas resident, told NBC News she had a "total loss" as her home was destroyed by the tornado. She said a fire crew assisted her and her family to safety.
Delvin narrated to KXAS that she heard the snapping of trees and the blowing of strong wind. She said the roof of her home blew off as soon as she climbed into a bedroom closet in her residence. She added she just panicked and thanked God that she and her family were alive.
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