UPSHUR COUNTY, Texas — The National Weather Service has currently rated the storm that struck Upshur County and caused significant damage to homes and other buildings overnight Tuesday as an EF-2 tornado.
According to a NWS representative, a full report is expected Tuesday afternoon or evening.
The EF-2 tornado south of Gilmer had winds of 130 mph, according to preliminary information from NWS Shreveport.
The storm that caused damages in Upshur County also tracked through northeast Smith County and Cass County, which are areas where NWS are surveying as well. Another team is reviewing damages in Nacogdoches County northeast through Rusk, Panola and Harrison counties, according to the weather service.
The Upshur County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday morning significant damage has been reported and several people have been injured.
"Thankfully, as of 3 a.m., Tuesday morning, we have not had a death reported as a result of this storm," Sheriff Larry Webb said in a statement. "It is likely that daylight will reveal significantly more damage than what has been found during the night."
Webb said multiple homes and structures have been damaged or destroyed. Several roads are still being cleared of trees and power lines, and significant areas are without power at this time.
"Initial indications are tornadic winds sustained a path from southwest Upshur County, west of Highway 271 to Northeast, north of Ore City," Webb said.
Specific damage includes:
- FM 2685
- Evergreen Rd.
- Hwy. 271
- Bluebird Rd.
- Hwy. 300
- Hwy. 154
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The track continued to north of Ore City where the area of Upshur Landing at Lake O' The Pines experienced significant damage.
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During this time, the UCSO is asking citizens to help first responders by staying clear of areas where work crews are repairing power lines and clearing roadways. Also, residents are asked to report any suspicious activity.
"We must not tolerate criminals taking advantage of this situation," said Sheriff Webb.