The Latest: Severe weather strikes East Texas

UPDATE (10/29 2:40 p.m.): The National Weather Service confirmed on Wednesday that Lindale was hit by an EF-1 tornado with winds reaching up to 100 mph.

UPDATE (10/29 8 a.m.): The Kilgore Police Department said most roads in impacted areas are now passable, though some streets remain barricaded due to debris. Those barricades are expected to come down throughout the day as cleanup continues.

SWEPCO has restored power to portions of the area, and currently reports 65 customers without power. Numerous utility poles were brought down and will need to be replaced, a process city officials say will take time. Homeowners are urged to contact their insurance agents to report any damage. City crews continue to cut down damaged trees and move debris, while additional private contractors have begun work in the area.

Despite significant damage across several blocks, city leaders said the community avoided what “could have been much worse.” Police patrols will remain in the affected neighborhoods until power is fully restored.

The National Weather Service is expected to survey damage in Kilgore and Lindale.

EAST TEXAS – Severe weather hit parts of East Texas on Tuesday, causing damages to buildings, fallen trees and power outages.

Lindale – The National Weather Service confirmed on Wednesday that Lindale was hit by an EF-1 tornado with winds reaching up to 100 mph. Witnesses say what was believed to be a tornado a little after 3 p.m. Tuesday, was seen off Farm-to-Market Road 2710, northeast of Lindale. There were reports of trees and homes damaged off FM 2170, and County Roads 4126 and 4128. No injuries have been reported.Smith County officials ask,ff you have a tree on a county road to report, call Smith County Dispatch at 903-566-6600.

Kilgore – The Kilgore Police Department said that neighborhoods south of the football stadium have sustained heavy wind damage.  The Kilgore Police Department said most roads in the affected ares are passable, but barricades remained up on some streets due to debris. Those will come down throughout the day. SWEPCO got some power back on, but numerous electrical polls were brought down and will need to be replaced, which is time-consuming. City crews will be working today to cut additional trees and begin moving the debris out of the area.

According to the KPD Facebook page: “We observed that service lines to many homes had been pulled away from the meter, which will require a privately hired electrician to repair before SWEPCO will restore power to your home. If your home is insured, contact your insurance agent and report damage so it can be properly documented. We’ve already seen private contractors in the area. Look out for unscrupulous folks trying to make a quick dollar. Do your research on the contractors and ask for bids from several contractors to ensure a fair quote is being given. Although there was damage for several blocks, this could have been much worse. Chainsaws will begin soon.”

Patrols are assigned to the affected area until power is restored.