Pampa tornadoes: Texas Panhandle sees several twisters
PAMPA, Texas - The National Weather Service says five tornadoes have ripped through the Texas Panhandle, downing power lines and damaging a Halliburton plant that was closed at the time.
National Weather Service forecaster Mike Gittinger in Amarillo said Monday night the full extent of the damage "remains sketchy." But he says none of the storms struck heavily populated areas.
CBS affiliate KFDA in Amarillo reports there were no reports of injuries or deaths.
Gittinger says the five tornadoes included three reports of wedge tornadoes, including two near Pampa nearly a mile wide.
Large #Pampa #Tornado caught by Chaser @ChanceTColdiron for @koconews tonight! #WTSP @NWSAmarillo @NewsChannel10 pic.twitter.com/VTfixW2INw
— Jim Van Fleet (@JamesVanFleet) November 17, 2015
Tornado Damage south of Pampa this evening at an oil refinery via Facebook viewer. #NC10Weather #Pampa #Tornado pic.twitter.com/MH8inLi8On
— KFDA NewsChannel10 (@NewsChannel10) November 17, 2015
The Gray County Sheriff's Office said at least one house and several businesses sustained damage east of Pampa. A chemical leak was discovered at the Halliburton plant in Pampa. Crews deemed the complex safe to search and were evaluating it late Monday.
A tornado watch is in effect for much of North and Central Texas through 3 a.m.