Winds estimated at 90 mph tore through Whitney and Clifton on Sunday night, resulting in tornado damage to homes, businesses and a marina.
Jesse Gonzales, 24, fled his mobile home with his wife, son, niece and nephew before it flipped twice onto two cars.
“Luckily, we all made it out just in time,” Gonzales said, reporting no injuries.
Jason Dunn, of the National Weather Service, said EF1 tornadoes rolled through Whitney and Clifton. Such tornadoes have about 90 mph winds.
Dunn said there may have been another tornado east of Gatesville.
Jerry Anderson, who has owned and managed Lake Whitney Marina with his wife for 25 years, also escaped danger Sunday night.
At least five rental cabins at the marina were destroyed, he said, as were three docks. Damage on the eastern shore of Lake Whitney is rated EF1, according to the National Weather Service.
“We got 10 roofs scattered half a mile or more,” Anderson said. “All of the houses around us were hit as well.”
Structures turned to debris and blown-down trees were a common sight in the area Monday.
John Bass saw significant damage to his business, WildHorse Industries of Texas, on Timberline Drive. Calling it a “total disaster,” he lost his garage and office space — including doors and skylights.
Bass said at least 35 trees blew down in his area.
In Clifton, more than 20 homes were affected, as 20 sustained minor damage, three suffered major damage, and two were destroyed, police said.
A tornado developed about 6:20 p.m. in the southwest corner of the city and traveled northeast before it died out, police said. Police said another then quickly formed and went in the same direction.
Winds stayed at rooftop level or higher, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service said three tornadoes were confirmed in Bosque County: in Clifton, Mosheim and Laguna Park.
Two businesses were affected, three sustained minor damage, and three sustained major damage, police said.
Agencies assisting in the aftermath of the storms include Clifton Volunteer Fire Department, the Bosque County Sheriff’s Department, Bosque County Emergency Management, North Bosque Emergency Medical Services, Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of Public Safety, City of Clifton Public Works, and Meridian and Valley Mills police departments.
By Phillip Ericksen
Monday, January 16, 2017 5:01 pm
