Storms Cause Damage in East Texas

DALLAS (AP/STAFF) — Strong to severe thunderstorms moved through East Texas Monday afternoon. Twisted and leveled trees and downed power lines were left in their wake. The Department of Public Safety reports a confirmed tornado in the Troup area. Other possible tornadoes were reported in the Palestine area and in Upshur County.

The Crockett area appears to have been hard hit. Houston County Fire Marshal David Lamb says widespread damage was reported countywide, but the severity was unclear because many affected areas were without power. He said many trees had been blown down. He said there were no immediate reports of injury.

A man working for a tree service in Henderson County was struck by lightening. It happened at mid-afternoon Monday at Star Harbor. Euvaldo Dominguez, said to be in mid 20s, was taken to East Texas Medical Center in Athens and later transferred to the burn unit of Dallas’ Parkland Hospital. He is said to be in critical condition.

Hail also accompanied some of the thunderstorms. The largest appeared to be in the Mount Pleasant area which measured 1.25 inches. The largest rainfall was reported at Paris with 4 1/3 inches.