TEXAS — Severe storms that appeared to produce several tornadoes moved through Texas Monday evening, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Cities including Round Rock and Elgin bore the brunt of damages.
Vehicles, debris and other items were swept up by the high winds. Preliminary investigations from the National Weather Service confirmed nine tornadoes Tuesday afternoon. The strongest one was recorded in Jacksboro, Texas, as an EF-3.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said during a news conference Monday night in suburban Austin's Williamson County that the “devastating” storms caused significant damage but the state would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with those affected, and he was thankful that there no reports of fatalities.
Severe thunderstorms with reports of possible tornadoes spread damage across parts of North Texas on Monday, injuring at least four people, officials said. According to a report from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth ISD's South Hills Elementary School is closed Tuesday following an overnight electrical fire.
As day broke on Tuesday the severity of damage in Round Rock became apparent. The following photos were taken by Spectrum News 1 reporter JJ Maldonado along Oxford Boulevard.
Buildings in Round Rock were damaged.
Police Chief Scott Haynes gets emotional standing in front of the storm damage at Jacksboro Elementary School. They’re saying it’s an “act of God” that nobody died here last night. @SpectrumNews1TX #TexasWeather #txwx pic.twitter.com/2hgPKmWlxM
— Ashley Claster (@AshleyClaster) March 22, 2022
A look around the outside of Jacksboro Elementary School in North Texas after severe weather. Kids, staff and parents took shelter in the safe halls here. Everyone made it out alive. @SpectrumNews1TX #txwx #TexasWeather pic.twitter.com/D3y93NIH8Y
— Ashley Claster (@AshleyClaster) March 22, 2022
Spectrum News 1 reporter Charlotte Scott captured the following photos in Round Rock on Tuesday, March 22.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.