Tornado Leaves Behind Significant Damage In Hopkins County
HOPKINS COUNTY (CBSDFW.COM) - At least four tornadoes touched down Thursday night, and the number could increase as the National Weather Service continues to survey the damage from Denton to Hopkins County.
Some of the worst storm damage was found in Birthright, Texas, east of Dallas. The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF-1 tornado hit the area. Buildings are destroyed, and residents are trying to save whatever belongings they can. Despite all the devastation, there was only one minor injury.
"All I heard was wind blowing and trash blowing," B. Gooding told CBS 11's Bud Gillett.
Gooding says his wife was safe in their cellar, but he rode out the storm in the house. When he came out and looked around, he was glad it was only property that was ruined.
"This is to me material. This is nothing…as long as nobody hurts."
Another family escaped injury, but suffered some huge financial setbacks. Sheila Krecek's brother was asleep in this large bus when the storm hitand it was inside a huge working garage. Their mother lived next door in the plumbing store.
"He heard the roof ripping off and he got to where my mother was and they got in a closet and waited it out," said Krecek.
But the plumbing store is now in ruins, as is the garage where Richard's working hobby is restoring vintage cars. Many are destroyed. Neither business has insurance.
Several town businesses sustained damage, including a Burger Barn and a gas station.
The Massey family suffered a more significant loss. L.J. Massey's son couldn't find his horses after the storm hit. They were found this morning, one with a broken leg. It will have to be put down.
"He just got this colt and was getting him broke and it just breaks my heart."
Just west of Birthright, the North Hopkins Elementary School got a glancing blow. While some outbuildings were leveled, the school itself sustained mostly roof and water damage.
Principal LeAnn Tadlock rushed here after the storm, more fearful for members of the community than for the buildings.
"I think everybody is safe and no one was hurt, and I'm really thankful for that. It could've been a lot worse," said Principal LeAnn Tadlock.
She thinks once electricity is restored there should be enough time for repairs so that students can return on Monday.
