News Summary
A massive tornado was reported near Sherman, Texas, prompting severe weather warnings across 54 counties. The National Weather Service warned of damaging winds and hail, urging residents to seek shelter. Damage was reported at local structures, including the Sherman Elks Lodge, while forecasters predict more severe weather ahead. Texas, known for its tornadoes, continues to face threats from severe storms as residents remain vigilant.
Sherman, Texas Hit by Massive Tornado
A massive tornado was observed near Sherman, Texas on Sunday, March 12, 2023, prompting a series of weather warnings across the area. Social media platforms were flooded with videos from both locals and storm chasers showcasing the severe thunderstorm that swept through Sherman.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch (Watch 399), effective until 4:00 AM CDT. This warning encompassed a wide area, affecting 54 counties in Texas, including Dallas, Tarrant, and Denton, as well as parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Threats from the Severe Weather
The thunderstorms in the region posed serious threats of producing golf ball-sized hail and wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph, endangering homes, vehicles, and trees. Specific warnings were issued for Haskell, Jones, and Fisher counties until 11:15 PM CDT, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Forecasters indicated that winds of 90 mph were recorded near Sherman, with statements confirming that a strong tornado was ongoing just north of the city. As the event unfolded, residents were urged to seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of sturdy buildings. Immediate action was strongly recommended for anyone caught in open areas.
Impact on the Community
Damage from the severe weather was reported at the Sherman Elks Lodge #2280, where strong winds or tornado activity caused significant damage to the rooftop. The lodge’s president indicated potential repair costs could reach as high as $25,000. The Elks Lodge’s back room was closed temporarily for safety as structural concerns were raised by the fire marshal due to the damage.
Looking ahead, the NWS predicted additional severe thunderstorms to develop on Tuesday along the leading edge of a cold front, maintaining concern for the ongoing risk in the region.
Context on Tornadoes in Texas
Tornadoes are a common occurrence in Texas, with the state averaging around 135 tornadoes per year, making it the most tornado-prone state in the U.S. The NWS utilizes the Enhanced Fujita scale to categorize tornadoes, ranking them from F0 to F5 based on wind speeds and associated damages.
Historical data reveals that approximately 75% of the over 9,000 tornadoes reported in Texas since 1950 have been classified as F0/EF0 or F1/EF1. Among the most notable tornado events in Texas history, the F5 tornado in Waco in 1953 resulted in the tragic loss of 114 lives, while an F5 tornado in Rocksprings in 1927 led to 74 fatalities.
The event near Sherman serves as a reminder of the potential severity of weather systems in the region, prompting both residents and agencies to remain vigilant and prepared for future storms.
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Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times: Sherman Tornado
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- KXII: Sherman Elks Lodge Damage
- Google Search: Texas tornadoes
- Houston Chronicle: Deadliest Texas Tornadoes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- Texas Storm Chasers: Dangerous Weather
- Google News: Sherman Texas tornado
- KXII: National Weather Service Talks Tornadoes
- KTEN: Flash Flooding in Sherman
