Thousands Without Power After Storms, Tornadoes Rip Across Texas
Pastor Dale Morgan
Thousands Without Power After Storms, Tornadoes Rip Across Texas*
Sunday, April 22, 2007
DUMAS, Texas — More than 14,000 homes and businesses in the Panhandle
lost power late Saturday after severe weather, tornadoes and hail storms
battered the rural region, destroying buildings and forcing police to
close roads.
The extent of injuries from the storms, including multiple reports of
tornadoes, wasn't immediately clear as emergency officials combed
through darkened cities and small towns assessing damage.
Moore County Hospital admitted two people in critical but stable
condition, said Theron Park, the hospital's chief executive. At least
six others also sought treatment at the hospital, located about 45 miles
north of Amarillo.
"We are still receiving patients," Park told the Amarillo Globe-News.
In nearby Cactus, authorities blocked traffic going into town amid
reports of downed power lines and heavy damage.
Xcel Energy spokesman Wes Reeves said it wouldn't be until Sunday before
the power would resume. The company lost several transmission lines, but
the full extent of damage remained unknown, Reeves said
The widespread power failure from Saturday night's storms was unlike
anything the region has recently seen, Reeves said.
"In one night we've knocked out more than we did during the whole
winter," he said. "There's quite a bit of wind and tornado damage."
The National Weather Service in Amarillo said it would probably be later
Sunday before the number of confirmed tornadoes is known.