A powerful thunderstorm hit the Texas Motorplex on Saturday, causing an RV to flip multiple times, leaving one man dead and injuring three of his family members. The incident happened about 25 minutes south of Dallas.
The deceased was identified as T J Bailey, 42, from Midlothian, Texas. According to Ellis County Justice of the Peace Chris Macon’s statement to The Dallas Morning News, Bailey’s wife and two sons were also in the RV during the incident. The children were discharged after hospital treatment, whilst their mother remained under medical supervision on Sunday.
“I can honestly say, I’ve known the wind to blow, but never like that for that long of a period of time,” Macon remarked, emphasising the unprecedented nature of the storm.
The powerful storm, with winds reaching 90 mph (145 kph), caused extensive destruction across Ellis County. The Days Inn along Interstate 45 lost its roof, numerous homes sustained damage, and seven lorries overturned on Interstate 35, the Associated Press reported.
The severe weather disrupted power supply to nearly 20,000 residents, though no tornadoes were reported. By Sunday afternoon, approximately 2,000 customers remained without electricity, with full restoration anticipated by day’s end.
The storm also produced quarter-sized hail. The neighbouring town of Waxahachie was forced to cancel its scheduled Tulipalooza festival due to storm damage.
Ennis Mayor Kameron Raburn issued a statement on Saturday announcing the commencement of debris clearance and recovery efforts. “The safety of our residents is our top priority,” Roburn said.