HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas — The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado moved through the Lake Palestine area Thursday night.
National Weather Service meteorologist Jason Hansford said Friday an EF-1 tornado touched down in Henderson County near Lake Palestine and then moved into Smith County. He said the damage was weaker on the Smith County side of the lake.
NWS officials said the tornado fluctuated between an EF-1 and EF-0 rating.
The storm then transitioned into straight-line winds that caused significant damage in Emerald Bay, Teaselville and the Bullard area, Hansford said.
A full damage survey report showed the tornado had peak winds of 105 mph. The tornado lasted from 7:06 to 7:10 p.m. Thursday. The path length was 4.34 miles and its maximum width was 480 yards.
NWS confirmed six people were injured because of the tornado, but no one died.
Hansford said after reviewing damage, there appears to be widespread destruction on the Henderson County side of Lake Palestine, including a lot of snapped and uprooted trees, demolished smaller cabins and blown-over RVs.
Hansford said most of the damage appears to be caused by straight line winds, but one area appeared to show convergent rotation that made brief landfall along the shore.
Hansford encouraged people to stay away from this area and give residents time to clean up and respect their privacy.
Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said one person was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, while other people were treated at the scene. Several reports of damage were made in the Lake Palestine area as well as Coffee City, Bullard and the Emerald Bay subdivision.
Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2 Chief Eric Greaser said there was one minor injury from a fall.
Henderson County officials are asking for volunteers to coordinate their efforts and report to the Coffee City Volunteer Fire Station to receive assignments and instructions.
"This will ensure a more organized and effective response to the disaster. Your cooperation is essential and highly valued. Thank you for your dedication and support," the Facebook post read.