Tornado strikes Dallas area; homes, businesses damaged

DALLAS — The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Dallas on Sunday night, causing structural damage and knocking out electricity to thousands.

Meteorologist Jason Godwin said radar confirmed the twister hit the ground near Love Field Airport and moved northeast through the city. Local media outlets reported several homes and businesses were damaged, power lines downed and tree limbs were scattered across roadways.

Before and after of a home in north Dallas after being struck by large #tornado. 🌪 pic.twitter.com/SGtVg7yQpg

— Scott McClellan (@NotoriousDSM) October 21, 2019

More than 75,000 electric customers were without power, according to Oncor’s online outage map.

Godwin said the size and severity of the tornado won’t be known until crews arrive to survey the damage.

The storm happened as multiple severe thunderstorm watches and warnings covered portions of four counties, including Dallas County, and more stormy weather was expected in the area during the overnight hours.

There were no immediate reports of injuries. Dallas police said officers in one part of the city were going door-to-door to check on residents.

WFAA reported that a convenience store collapsed in the storm, but the clerk told the station that everyone who was inside made it out safely.