A powerful tornado devastated the small community of Perryton, Texas (USA) on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction that included the demolition of multiple mobile homes, according to a local legislator.
Community in Need of Help and Support
“Neighbors were hit by a tornado and will need a lot of help and support,” stated State Representative Four Price on Facebook after consulting with the city’s mayor and Texas emergency management personnel.
“Many structures were destroyed. It’s a serious situation,” Price added.
“Neighbors were hit by a tornado and will need a lot of help and support,” said State Representative Four Price. (Reuters)
Deadly Impact and Ongoing Rescues
Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher confirmed three fatalities and over 100 injured individuals receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
“We have many patients in the hospital who will need to be transferred,” Dutcher noted.
In response to the crisis, Governor Greg Abbott has deployed state emergency response resources to meet the urgent needs of the affected population.
“The State of Texas is rapidly deploying critical emergency response resources to provide all the support and assistance necessary to protect Texans and aid those affected by the tornadoes in Perryton,” stated an official press release.
Nearly 50,000 customers lost power in Texas and Oklahoma
Devastating Weather Conditions and Widespread Damage
The National Meteorological Service has issued multiple tornado watches, primarily in southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia. They have also warned of potential hurricane-force wind gusts exceeding 145 kilometers per hour in parts of northeast Louisiana and central Mississippi. Large hail has been reported in certain areas as well.
According to ABC7, at least three tornadoes were observed in Perryton shortly after 5:00 p.m. local time.
According to ABC7, Perryton saw at least three tornadoes shortly after 5:00 p.m. local time. (Reuters)
Unusual Storm System for June
Felecia Bowser, a meteorologist from Florida, remarked that the extensive storm system is unprecedented for this time of year.
“Usually in June, we are more prepared for a tropical climate,” Bowser stated. “This type of widespread and aggressive precipitation that we are seeing today tends to occur more in the spring.”
Destruction and Close Calls
Two individuals managed to escape unharmed from a house that was destroyed in southeast Georgia during the storms, as reported by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher said one person died in an RV while more than 75 were being treated at a nearby hospital. (Reuters)
A video shared on social media captured a large funnel advancing towards the rural town of Blakely, while nearby communities reported fallen trees and damaged power lines.
Connie Hobbs, the chair-elect of Baker County Commission, described golf ball-sized hail falling in her front yard.
In Alabama, the Eufaula Police Department confirmed multiple tornado-related damages in the city near the Georgia state line. The mayor, Jack Tibbs, reassured local media that no injuries had been reported thus far. However, the storm caused a building wall to collapse and resulted in the falling of 30 to 40 trees.
(With information from EFE, AFP, and The Associated Press)
