Hundreds of people are looking for temporary housing after a strong thunderstorm Tuesday morning spun up at least one tornado and damaged multiple apartment buildings in Irving.
The National Weather Service confirms at least one tornado touched down in the area, an EF-1 with wind speeds between 86 and 110 mph. The tornado was only on the ground for about a minute and tracked about four-tenths of a mile with a width of about 85 yards.
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WATCH HEREAccording to the NWS, the tornado began near Pecan Drive, south of West Pioneer Drive, where mostly trees were damaged and a vehicle hit by falling debris. The tornado then struck the Tree Country Apartments, causing EF-1 wind damage to the roof of nearly every apartment building in the complex, with maximum estimated winds of 110 mph.
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SIGN UP NWS survey crews found tree and roof damage at the Learning Tree Academy next door. Across the street, survey teams reported the Irving Police Family Advocacy Center lost half of its roof and the covering off a second story balcony.
The tornado then tracked east-northeast and dissipated between Cedar Drive and North O'Connor Road. The NWS said caused damage to the La Hacienda Apartments at the end of the tornado track.
Irving was the only area surveyed by the NWS on Tuesday. On Wednesday, additional survey teams will be out evaluating damage reports in other areas including Wise and Hopkins counties.
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Hundreds evacuated after tornado, damaging winds hit apartments
Anthony Alexander with the Irving Police Department said Tuesday morning that about 350 people were evacuated from Las Haciendas Apartments on O'Connor Road and Tree Country on Pioneer Drive.
No injuries were reported.
Alexander said crews were assessing the damage to the buildings to determine whether people would be allowed back inside. At both communities, roofs were ripped off, and walls had crumbled.
Irving storm damage
Those evacuated are offered temporary shelter at the Georgia Farrow Recreation Center on Davis Drive. The Irving Parks Department offered shuttles for residents who cannot drive to the recreation center.
Nearby Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School was closed Tuesday due to lack of electricity and impassable roads. Alexander wasn't sure whether the school building suffered any damage.
The National Weather Service says the tornado was brief, it covered a few blocks, and the strongest winds of 110 miles an hour hit the Tree Country Apartments.
Regina Luna lives at the apartment complex with her mother and stepfather.
“It just happened out of nowhere,” said Luna. “It was at 5:30 I remember, everything started flashing I was like what is happening?! and I felt the whole building moving. It felt like it was rocking. I ran to my mom because like I’m so scared and like we both hugged and said we need to get to the bathroom like nowhere where there’s windows
When asked to describe what the experience felt like, Luna said it reminded her of an earthquake she lived through in El Salvador.
Oncor is in the area working to restore power and city crews are working to clear and open streets.
Alexander said city officials will continue to share information through social media channels.
