A devastating storm system swept through Sanderson, Texas, on Sunday afternoon, with reports indicating that a possible tornado tore through the small town, causing significant destruction. Emergency officials have confirmed that at least one person was injured, while several homes were severely damaged or destroyed.
Border Patrol Agent Injured in Storm
Among those affected was a U.S. Border Patrol agent, who sustained critical but non-life-threatening injuries when the powerful winds struck his home. According to Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland, the storm directly impacted the agent’s residence, leaving him injured and in need of medical attention.
Sheriff Cleveland urged the community to keep the agent and his family in their thoughts, stating:
“Please consider him and his loved ones in your prayers.”
Authorities have not released further details on his condition, but emergency responders were able to reach the scene and provide assistance.
Homes and Infrastructure Suffer Major Damage
The powerful storm wreaked havoc across the area, destroying multiple homes and leaving residents to assess the damage in its aftermath. Emergency crews have been working to evaluate the extent of the destruction and ensure that no additional injuries or fatalities have occurred.
Eyewitnesses in Sanderson described the storm as sudden and intense, with strong winds, heavy rain, and flying debris overwhelming the town in a matter of minutes. Residents who were home at the time reported hearing roaring winds, similar to the sound of a freight train—one of the classic signs of a tornado.
Authorities are still working to determine whether the event was an officially classified tornado or an extreme wind event. The National Weather Service (NWS) is expected to conduct an assessment of the storm’s damage to confirm whether a tornado officially touched down.
Community Response and Recovery Efforts
As daylight broke on Monday, first responders and local officials continued working to clear debris, assess structural damage, and provide aid to displaced residents. Emergency shelters have been set up for those whose homes were completely destroyed or deemed unsafe.
Power Outages and Road Closures
The storm also caused power outages in parts of Sanderson, leaving many homes without electricity. Utility crews have been dispatched to restore power as quickly as possible, but some residents may face prolonged outages due to downed power lines and damaged infrastructure.
Certain roads in and around Terrell County have been blocked by fallen trees and debris, making it difficult for emergency responders to navigate the area. Officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel while cleanup efforts are underway.
Tornado Risk and Weather Preparedness
Sanderson, located in West Texas, is no stranger to severe weather, but tornadoes are relatively rare in this region compared to other parts of the state. However, extreme thunderstorms and strong wind events remain a serious threat to rural communities.
Authorities are reminding residents to stay vigilant and prepared for severe weather events by:
✅ Monitoring local weather alerts for timely warnings.
✅ Identifying safe shelter locations in case of an emergency.
✅ Keeping an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and medical supplies.
✅ Having a communication plan with family members in case of power outages.
As the cleanup process begins, meteorologists are closely tracking weather patterns to determine if additional storms may develop in the coming days.
Final Thoughts
While Sanderson begins its recovery process, the community is coming together to support those affected by the storm. The injured Border Patrol agent is receiving medical care, and local authorities continue working to restore normalcy to the town.
Officials urge residents to remain cautious and report any additional damage or injuries to emergency services. More updates will follow as the National Weather Service completes its assessment and determines whether the storm was indeed a confirmed tornado.
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