The National Weather Service has canceled all TORNADO WARNINGS in East Texas.
According to the NWS, a tornado was confirmed earlier Tuesday morning in the Tyler area.
The City of Tyler tells CBS19 goal posts are down at Lindsey Park in Tyler. There are also four or five trees uprooted, as well as a set of bleachers that are tipped over.
According to the Tyler Police Department, the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department was able to get 25 kids between the ages of 9 and 16, who were attending soccer camp, into the bathrooms and kept them safe from the storm.
Lindsey Park Crew Leader Dorean Lindsey says his team spotted the tornado and began working to get the children and coaches off the field and into the restrooms where they could take cover.
The group stayed in the restrooms for about 15 minutes until it was safe to leave. The camp was canceled for the rest of the day and parents came to pick up their children.
No injuries were reported.
The NWS also says a tornado was spotted on Highway 84 just west of Reklaw. The tornado is moving northeast at 30 miles per hour.
The NWS suggests taking shelter now if you live in the affected area.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has also been issued for the following counties until 12:45 p.m.
- Cherokee County
- Harrison County
- Nacogdoches County
- Panola County
- Rusk County
- San Augustine County
- Shelby County
UNDERSTANDING TORNADO ALERTS
When severe weather hits, alerts start coming in left and right, and it can get confusing.
So, what is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service?
Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
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