Severe Weather Strikes North Texas, Causing Damage in Van Zandt County

DALLAS – In a series of severe storms that swept through North Texas on Friday, residents of Van Zandt County are dealing with the aftermath of confirmed tornado activity.

Impact in Van Zandt County

The National Weather Service has confirmed at least one tornado touched down, leading to reports of destruction in the region. Preliminary assessments indicate extensive damage to homes and local vegetation.

Damage Assessment in Grand Saline

In Grand Saline, emergency services began receiving distress calls around 3 p.m. Local officials are currently assessing damage to the area, where at least eight homes have been reported damaged, though this number may rise. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries at this time.

Community Reactions

Residents are sharing their experiences. Kameron Martin described the terrifying moment his home was caught in the storm: “I heard the pop of the roof come off, and then I heard another pop. At the time, I didn’t know what it was. It was my bedroom wall coming off the house. I just stayed in the bathroom for another 5 minutes, and then I came out and looked over things.” Martin’s home sustained significant damage, including the complete exposure of his second-floor master bedroom.

Justina Goerdel spoke about the ordeal that befell her family as their 2,000-pound porch was dislodged and forced onto the roof of their mobile home. The Goerdels are now temporarily relocated to a hotel while repairs are assessed. “It has been a lot emotionally. We came home, and it was raining—water was all over the living room,” she recounted, highlighting the challenges that many families are facing in the wake of the storms.

Weather Forecast and Continuing Conditions

As the region braces for further unpredictable weather, forecasts indicate heavy rain, along with the potential for additional storms that could produce hail and strong winds. The National Weather Service predicts gusts of 50-60 mph, with temperatures expected to stay around the 50s throughout Saturday. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as rain chances may persist into the evening.

Looking Ahead

The weather is anticipated to shift by Sunday, with morning temperatures in the 40s and wind chills dipping into the 30s. Despite a brief respite in chilly temperatures, highs will still remain about 20 degrees below normal for April. The following week is expected to bring a welcome change, with forecasts suggesting a return to dry weather and warmer temperatures, reaching the 70s and 80s by midweek.

Resources and Safety Information

As crews work to clear debris and assess ongoing damage, residents are encouraged to stay informed through local weather updates and heed any safety recommendations from officials.