Windstorm Claims Adding Up in Texas After Weekend Storms

Violent thunderstorms packing winds up to 90 miles per hour struck a six-county area southeast of Dallas early on April 24 causing thousands of windstorm claims, the Insurance Council of Texas reports. One fatality occurred in Van Zandt County from a house fire caused by lightning.

Texas counties reporting multiple windstorm claims were Henderson, Van Zandt, Kaufman, Limestone, Wood and Navarro.

In Navarro County, hurricane-force winds struck the southwestern part of Corsicana taking roofs off of an apartment building and a grocery store. Trees and power lines were reported down in several areas.

A tornado was reported near the community of Mabank and reports of another possible twister were being investigated in Van Zandt County. Other communities reporting significant wind damage were Canton, Malakoff and Gun Barrel City.

Lighting struck the home of 67 year old Max Heinen just outside Canton. Witnesses say Heinen was able to get all nine of his foster children out of the burning home before rushing back in one last time. Heinen’s body was found just inside the front door.

The weekend storm was the most damaging storm to hit Texas this year with estimated insured losses still being counted. The same storm system was responsible for an outbreak of tornadoes that claimed 12 lives in Mississippi and Alabama.

Source: The Insurance Council of Texas