At least three dead and ten injured after devastating tornado strikes Matador, Texas

At least three people are dead and ten injured after a tornado struck the small town of Matador, Texas on Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service in Lubbock, Texas confirmed that a tornado had occurred in the area and that an off-duty weather service employee had been in the area.

The storm caused considerable damage to homes, utility lines, trees and infrastructure. Reports from storm chasers and meteorologists on social media showed the extent of the destruction. The fire department in nearby Lubbock, Texas called the storm an “unprecedented tornado” and said Matador opened a cooling center due to the “record-breaking” heat in the region.

The Motley County Sheriff’s Office confirmed at least three fatalities in connection with the tornado as of early Thursday morning. Lubbock Fire Rescue sent a crew to assist at the scene. The strength and rating of the tornado won’t be known until surveys are done, said Matt Ziebell, the lead meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Lubbock.

First responders are surveying the damage and assessing the situation. The National Weather Service is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.