A tornado that went through southeast Garland earlier tonight caused extensive damage and has left numerous people without shelter for the night. Mayor Douglas Athas has declared a state of emergency.
Five people have been confirmed dead and many more were injured after the tornado caused their vehicles to be overturned or blown from the roadway in the Interstate 30 and Highway 190 area. Officer Mike Hatfield told a CBS Channel 11 news reporter that there could be more fatalities in cars that they have been unable to search.
Garland’s Gail Fields Recreation Center at 1701 Dairy Road has been opened for displaced residents. Additionally, Red Cross workers are in the area.
The city of Rowlett also sustained extensive damage when the same tornado made its way through that city. Displaced Rowlett residents can go to the Rowlett Community Center, Cornerstone Assembly of God and Steadham Elementary School. So far, no fatalities have been reported in Rowlett.
The same tornado also caused devastating damage in other locations including Sunnyvale, Farmersville, Blue Ridge, Copeville and Lavon.
Updates to come.