A brief but powerful EF-1 tornado struck Irving, Texas, early Tuesday morning, damaging buildings and forcing dozens of residents to evacuate. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that the tornado had peak winds of 110 mph, a path length of nearly half a mile, and a maximum width of 85 yards.
According to officials, the hardest-hit area was Tree County Apartments, where multiple families were displaced due to structural damage. The storm also caused temporary road closures and power outages in parts of the city.
Schools are temporarily closed due to damage to the middle school.
De Zavala Middle School, located across from the Tree County Apartments, was also affected by the tornado. The Irving Independent School District closed three schools on Wednesday due to power outages but resumed classes on Thursday.
Principal Tiffany Williams stated that approximately 85 families were affected by the storm.
A tornado is a component of a winter storm.
The Irving tornado was a component of a huge winter storm that brought snow, strong winds, and a lot of rain to several states. In addition to extensive power disruptions and even the cancellation of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, the hurricane claimed two lives in Mississippi.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed on social media that two residents lost their lives—one from a fallen power line and another when a tree collapsed onto a car.
Tornado Preparedness & Recovery Efforts
Emergency management teams in Irving and surrounding areas continue assessing damage and assisting affected residents. Cleaning is still going on even though the majority of the roads have reopened.
People who live in tornado-prone areas are advised to:
- Pay attention to NWS weather alerts
- Protect outdoor items before strong storms.
- Find out where the closest storm shelters are
- Keep a basic emergency kit on hand.
Follow the National Weather Service and the Irving Office of Emergency Management for updates.
Source: USA Today