At least three people are dead, and dozens of others are injured after a tornado swept through a north Texas city Thursday as part of a major storm system.
The tornado hit the small city of Perryton, located in the Texas panhandle, in the evening, causing widespread damage and power outages in addition to the lives lost and wounded. Rescue operations continued into the night.
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Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher told NBC News a trailer park took a direct hit from the tornado. In addition to the three dead, two people were missing, and dozens were treated at the hospital and released.
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) deployed state emergency response resources to the northern Texas city in the wake of the natural disaster.
“I encourage all Texans to heed the guidance of state and local officials and to take all necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones,” Abbott said. “We remain ready to quickly provide any additional resources needed over the course of this severe weather event. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for our fellow Texans who have been impacted by this horrific storm. Stay safe, Texas.”
The tornado that hit Perryton was part of a larger storm system sweeping through the area, according to the New York Times, and the threat of severe weather is not expected to go away as the weekend approaches.
The National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas, says severe thunderstorms “may return Friday to the northern Panhandles.” Additionally, “large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding are possible.” The NWS even says that while not likely, another tornado “cannot be ruled out.”
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A tornado warning was issued in Perryton Thursday afternoon, and more than 25 million Texans were also under a heat advisory.
Perryton has a population of about 8,500 people. Until tests are done, it won’t be known how strong the tornado was.
