Texas Tornadoes | NewsRadio 740 KTRH

The National Weather Service is now reporting that two tornadoes hit Bell County on Wednesday.

According to preliminary reports, an EF-2 tornado started near Morgan’s Point Resort on Belton Lake and remained on the ground for approximately five minutes. This tornado was responsible for 30 reported injuries and caused significant damage to homes and businesses as it tracked southeast. This storm had wind speeds measured at 120 miles per hour. The second tornado was an EF-1 and touched down approximately ten minutes later. This storm occurred near Little River Academy, a community located just south of Temple. The strongest winds in this storm were 95 miles per hour. This storm mostly spread over an open field, but the roof was damaged and several transmission lines were destroyed.

Officials in East Texas say it may have been a tornado that caused damage in Smith and Henderson counties. Storms blew through this area in and around Tyler yesterday. Officials in both counties say the damage is minimal, but there are several locations where power lines have been downed. A temporary shelter was opened at the Coffee City Civic Building and the Southern Baptist Church in Bullard for residents without power. There is also shelter available at the Henderson County Senior Center at the Regional Fairgrounds. Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said one person was injured, but is expected to recover. A disaster recovery center will open Monday in Bullard. Officials stress that boaters hitting local lakes this holiday weekend should use caution due to downed power lines.

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