A destructive tornado ripped through Perryton, Texas, on Thursday evening, leaving at least three people dead and about 100 injured. The tornado touched down around 5:30 p.m. local time and caused significant damage to the north and east sides of the town.
Trailer homes were destroyed, communication towers were downed, and power lines were knocked out. The tornado also damaged a local school and a hospital.
One fatality has been confirmed, and more than 75 people were being treated at the local hospital. The other two fatalities are still being investigated.
The tornado was rated EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which means it had winds of up to 165 miles per hour. It was about a quarter-mile wide and traveled for about 10 miles.
The tornado was part of a larger severe weather outbreak that affected parts of the South and Midwest on Thursday. Other tornadoes were reported in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Residents in these areas should be on alert for severe weather and take appropriate precautions.
How to Stay Safe During a Tornado
If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, it is important to know how to stay safe during a tornado. Here are some tips:
- Have a plan in place for what you will do if a tornado warning is issued.
- Know the safest place to go in your home or workplace.
- Stay tuned to local news and weather reports for updates.
- If you are caught outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building or underground.
- If you are in a car, pull over to the side of the road and get out of the car. Lie down in a ditch or other low-lying area.
Recovery Efforts Underway in Perryton
Recovery efforts are underway in Perryton after the tornado. The Red Cross is providing assistance to those who have been affected. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also been activated to help with the recovery effort.
If you would like to help the victims of the Perryton tornado, you can donate to the Red Cross or FEMA. You can also volunteer your time to help with the recovery effort.
Stay safe and stay informed during severe weather season.