CANTON, Texas — Search and rescue efforts continue Sunday morning in Van Zandt County after at least three confirmed tornadoes caused significant damage, injured more than 50 people, and killed at least four.
CANTON, Texas — Search and rescue efforts continue Sunday morning in Van Zandt County after at least three confirmed tornadoes caused significant damage, injured more than 50 people, and killed at least four.
Sunday morning, East Texas Medical Center reported, from their Tyler, Athens, and Cedar Creek Lake facilities, 56 people suffered tornado related injuries, six remained hospitalized, and two were in critical condition. Saturday night, the Canton Fire Department confirmed five fatalities. No word on injuries elsewhere impacted by the tornadoes.
Local officials have issued disaster declarations in response to the damage.
Overnight, emergency personnel conducted hasty searches and will continue with door-to-door searches today.
At last notice, members of the Forney Fire Department, Crandall Fire Department, College Mound Fire Department, Kaufman County Office of Emergency Management, and Kaufman County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office responded to Van Zandt County to assist.
Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett says First Monday Trade Days was not impacted by the tornado damage but some portions had seen flooding which had receded Sunday morning.
Local officials are advising residents to conserve water due to widespread power outages. Oncor and Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative crews are working to restore power.
“This may rank as one of the most destructive storms we have seen,” TVEC Chief Communications Officer Jeff Lane. “It is too early to give an estimate of when power will be restored to everyone, but you can be assured that all of our resources have been mobilized to get everyone back on as soon as it is possible to safely do so.”
