After surveying the damage, The National Weather Service categorized Monday night’s tornado, just outside of Turkey, as an EF3.
“We determined winds were around 135 to 140 miles per hour based on some very very large pylon electrical poles that were bent over,” Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jody James said. “It takes a lot of force to do that.”
According to the National Weather Service the tornado was about half a mile wide and tracked nine miles southeast of Turkey in North Motley County to two miles east of Turkey.
“These kind of tornados can be deadly and we are very fortunate that it was over a very rural area,” James said.
James said the winds were so strong it had the potential to destroy a lot of homes.
“Had we had this type of tornado move across Turkey or even Lubbock for example, we’re talking significant damage, and this would be a strong tornado,” James said.
While no one was hurt, James said the tornado is a good reminder to have a safety plan when storms hit.
“These tornados of the strong or violent variety can happen up here and people need a source of weather information and on days like we’ve seen lately, be ready to act on that information, and know where your safe place is,” James said.
James said a great way to stay updated is by investing in a weather radio. You can also download KLBK’s First Warning Weather app in the app store for free.
