Sanderson, TX — On the evening of June 2, 2024, the small West Texas town of Sanderson was struck by two tornadoes, including a powerful EF3 that caused significant destruction and left 12 people injured. The National Weather Service confirmed that the EF3 tornado touched down around 7:14 p.m., carving a path nearly a mile long and 250 yards wide through the community. A second, weaker EF1 tornado followed shortly after, compounding the damage.
The EF3 tornado inflicted severe damage on the town’s northwest side, particularly in the Lomita Terrace neighborhood. Homes were torn apart, a mobile home was obliterated, and trees were stripped of their bark. One U.S. Border Patrol agent sustained critical injuries when his mobile home took a direct hit; he was airlifted to Odessa with multiple fractures and internal injuries. Another resident suffered a serious arm injury and was transported to El Paso for surgery. The remaining injured individuals were treated locally and have since been released.
Downtown Sanderson was not spared. Historic structures, including a former railroad bunkhouse and an adobe building, were destroyed. Ferguson Motors, a beloved local coffee shop and community hub housed in a historic car dealership, suffered extensive damage. The building lost much of its roof, and numerous artworks and items for sale were destroyed. Owners Jake and Hannah Harper expressed their determination to rebuild, noting the outpouring of support from local artists and patrons.
In the immediate aftermath, the town faced widespread power and water outages. Emergency crews worked diligently to restore services, with power returning to most areas by the following day. Bottled water was distributed to residents as repairs to water infrastructure commenced. The Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Red Cross deployed personnel to assist with recovery efforts.
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Volunteers from across West Texas arrived with supplies, medical aid, and manpower. Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland noted that the influx of assistance was so substantial that some volunteers had to be turned away due to the town’s limited capacity to accommodate them.
Financial support has also been forthcoming. The ICA Help Your Neighbor program announced a $100,000 donation to aid in Sanderson’s recovery. Additionally, multiple fundraisers have been initiated to support affected residents and businesses, including a GoFundMe campaign for Ferguson Motors.
Despite the devastation, Sanderson’s residents remain resilient. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with work crews clearing debris and assessing structural damage. Terrell County Judge Dale Carruthers emphasized the need for improved emergency preparedness, citing the town’s outdated tornado siren system and the necessity for backup generators for critical services.
As the community rebuilds, the spirit of solidarity and determination is evident. “We’re just doing what we can every day to move forward,” said Jake Harper, reflecting the town’s commitment to recovery and renewal.
