ARLINGTON (WBAP/KLIF News) – The American Red Cross DFW is helping dozens of families who were displaced after severe storms blew through the Metroplex spawning a tornado in Arlington late Tuesday night.
The National Weather Service confirmed Wednesday afternoon that a preliminary investigation classified the storm’s strength as an EF-2 with winds as high as 115 mph. The exact path of the tornado is still being determined.
The storm brought damaging winds which tore roofs off several homes and apartment complexes in the East Arlington area.
Three apartment complexes on Pioneer Parkway had several buildings sustain severe damage that left more than 80 families displaced.
This resident lives at the Water Dance Apartments on Pioneer Parkway near Center Street. He said he was terrified when the storm passed.
“I opened the door and there was wind everywhere and the roof…my neighbor, her roof…everything was down. I was like ‘Oh, my God’,” he said.
The Arlington Fire Department said three people suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital.
Although no one was seriously injured, residents are left to try and put their lives back together and are thankful for organizations like the Red Cross.
The organization’s volunteers began work last night with apartment managers and city officials to identify who needs help and provide them with emergency lodging and feeding.
Red Cross is also providing the victims with health and mental health services and to connect them with additional community resources.
According to a statement, the Red Cross said it is following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and volunteers are doing their part to mitigate COVID-19 spread by wearing masks, social distancing and using virtual means to provide assistance when possible.
Anyone impacted by the severe weather and in need of help is asked to call the Red Cross at 1 (800) RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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