By Kayleen Holder
After many months of severe drought, the skies opened up and rain came pouring down this Monday, August 15. Unfortunately, it brought winds and rotation with it, causing damage to a couple of homes in Moore. NWS experts will be out to look at some of the worst damages on Wednesday, and said it was “likely” a tornado, though unconfirmed at this point.
“Officially, we have not yet called it a tornado. We plan to send someone out that way tomorrow to survey and confirm whether or not there was a tornado there, but based on what we saw on radar yesterday it’s likely to be confirmed,” said Keith White, NWS.
A tornado warning was issued just before 1 o’clock as “very broad rotation” was spotted 8 miles west of Devine. Hassell said her home was hit shortly before that warning went out.
The Hassell Family on CR 2537 in Moore lost the roof to their porch completely. The dog kennel wrapped around a tree, and a straight piece looked like it was bent to nearly a 90 degree angle, among other damages to their home and property.
“We were lucky. We were all lucky out here, because at least our house is still standing. I don’t ever want to experience that again,” Mrs. Lisa Hassell said. “The storm took off most of the skirting on our double wide, messed up the roof, and took off the roof from our deck which is also leaning now. It also damaged the central air unit outside and tore out the ducting from underneath our home. We had a dog kennel that was thrown up against a tree across the yard, and it is currently wrapped around the tree. Our neighbors lost part of their roof as well.”
RAINFALL
As for rainfall totals, most of the heaviest rain was confined to far southern portions of the region.
“One CoCoRaHS observer in southern Frio measured 3.46” yesterday and 4.4” over the past 2 days. In Medina County the highest measured amount over the past week was 2.6” in Devine,” White said.
“We didn’t get as much in this area as they did down south, so it’s not a drought-buster by any means, but it’s a good start,” said John Jaworowski, who manages the local WOG feed store.
Local residents who also have a ranch in Freer stated they got as much as 10” inches down there.
What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service?
Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.