The old saying goes: "If you don't like the weather in Texas, just wait a minute." Well we sure didn't like it last night. The storm system that dropped the snow on the Sun bowl rolled in here but we were at 78 degrees when it arrived which produced some very vigorous storms. I got heavy rain, and some hail with it today. My Mom-in-law's area was not so lucky. A LARGE F-4 tornado ran through the neighborhood. Below is a picture (hope it works). At the far upper right (not quite the corner) you can see a white brick house with more land... My wife's mother lives in the house "above" that one. Lost a portion of roof, trees brought down, and fences laid over. No injuries to family, pets, or horses so we were very lucky... 8 others in Garland were not so fortunate.
Scott I can only imagine the heartache, I have lost my roof twice to hurricanes and the fear that comes with it is unimaginable. This is in an instant with almost no warning, if there is anything that I can possibly give or send please let me know. As we relax from the Christmas weekend this horror is almost too much to comprehend...My prayers and heart goes out to everyone...
There was some video on the national news showing that monster. It was after dark and was visible from the light of blowing transformers and lightning. Looking at the destruction it's amazing that the death toll wasn't much higher. Glad everyone in your family is safe.
Thanks guys. The house is a mess... it rained a solid 12 hours missing about half the roof, so there's a lot of damage. It's just stuff tho, and that can all be replaced. Very sad for the families of those who lost loved ones...
Scott.. Is that photo from the Lake Ray Hubbard area? I was just there all day yesterday helping friends find the grass in their yard. It was covered with wood, paper, glass, shingles, and roofing nails. I used a harbor freight 30" rolling magnet and picked up over a pound of nails, staples, and other misc metal. The house we built on Silver Lake drive in Rowlett sustained 2 broken windows and a 2x6 stuck through the garage roof. Besides the trash, there were no other issues with that house. Our friends next door only sustained damage to a car in the driveway (totaled) and trash. Less than 100 yards away were houses that will have to be removed and rebuilt.
Tom, Yes that pic is just south of the lake. I had to work yesterday but my wife spent the day helping her Mom box up items so they cant get busy repairing/rebuilding. Amazing the damage a tornado can do but also seem so random with how and where it strikes.
We are gathering at the Round Rock Premium Outlet Mall parking lot at 05:00 Sunday morning to head up to a charity event in Rowlett Texas to benefit the Tornado victims. Scott, you should join in if you can. I have a paid spot that belongs to a guy that has been called away on business that would guarantee you a spot in the show. Here is a link to the facebook event. https://www.facebook.com/events/126074637768315/
Free spot has been given away but any and all spectators will help the cause. Please join if you can.
Sorry I missed this Tom. Thanks for thinking of me. There's a chance we'll be over in Garland Sunday helping the in laws. If so Ill try to swing by and see you guys
Good to see you again Scott... I think the last time was in San Antonio at the ND vs. WSU game. I believe the show was a success for the Rowlett tornado victims. We had a fun time meeting new people and feel good helping those in need. It was a good day! :wink:
I second Sid in saying fantastic job everyone, everytime I look at the pictures I cannot imagine the heartache and work ahead...
Great to talk to Tom and Cindy again and get a look at their "toys". Sorry I didn't get back over to you... we lost track of time and had to meet Tonya's folks at the house so we ran out the other side of the lot. It was nice to see all the people who came from near and far to help out those who were affected.