Rowlett Official: "Catastrophic" Damage Left In Wake Of EF-3 Tornado
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ROWLETT (CBSDFW.COM) — Rowlett City Manager Brian Funderburk said 23 people were injured after a tornado hit the city Saturday, leaving "catastrophic" damage.
Rowlett was hit directly by a tornado, which the National Weather Service classified as an EF-3. The city has a 24-hour curfew in place in the affected areas.
Funderburk said the injury count will likely stand since searches have not found any additional endangered people.
"In the light of the day, we can now begin to see the impact this storm has had, and it is nothing short of catastrophic," Funderburk said.
As of Sunday evening, damage assessments of 513 homes found 80 totally destroyed, 187 had major damage and 155 had minor damage. Nearly 6,000 were without power as of 4 p.m.
The city water tower on Martha Lane sustained significant damage during the storm, according to the city. A 300-foot radius around the tower was evacuated on Sunday while the tank was drained. Once the tank is empty, the radius will be reduced to 200 feet. The tank will be evaluated again later this week, once weather conditions improve.
A temporary shelter has been set up at Steadham Elementary (6200 Dandridge Rd.), where the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are assisting. The city directs those wanting to send donations to the Red Cross website. A Red Cross location at 3700 Chaha Rd. is available for residents to receive assistance. Local churches, including First United Methodist in Rowlett and Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, are also collecting donations.
The Rowlett Animal Shelter (4200 Industrial St.) is accepting misplaced and found pets. Those who are looking for their animal or have found one can call 972-412-6219 for information.
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