The National Weather Service now says two tornadoes hit Bell County on Wednesday.
According to preliminary reports, an EF-2 tornado started near the Morgan's Point Resort on Belton Lake and was on the ground for about five minutes. This twister was responsible for the 30 injuries reported, and it caused significant damage to homes and businesses as it tracked to the southeast. That storm had wind speeds measured at 120-miles per hour. The second tornado was an EF-1 and touched down about ten minutes later. This storm was near Little River Academy, a community just south of Temple. Highest winds in this storm were 95-miles-per-hour. This storm tracked mostly over an open field, but there was some roof damage and several transmission lines knocked down.
East Texas officials say it may have been a tornado that caused some damage in Smith and Henderson counties. The storms blew through that area in and around Tyler yesterday. Officials for both counties say damage is minimal, but there are several locations where power lines have been knocked down. A temporary shelter has been opened at the Coffee City Civic Building, and at the Bullard Southern Baptist Church for residents without power. There's also a shelter available at the Henderson County Senior Center at the Regional Fair Park. Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says one person was injured, but they are expected to recover. A disaster recovery center will open in Bullard on Monday. Officials stress that boaters on local lakes this holiday weekend need to exercise caution because of downed power lines.
photo: Getty Images