Powerful storm inflicts heavy damage in and around Wichita Falls

Lynn Walker, Wichita Falls Times Record News
Updated ·2 min read
1

A powerful storm ripped through Wichita Falls late Thursday, causing significant damage in parts of the city,

A large portion of the Rio Vista shopping center at Seymour Highway and Loop 11 was destroyed by powerful winds in a thunderstorm late Thursday.
A large portion of the Rio Vista shopping center at Seymour Highway and Loop 11 was destroyed by powerful winds in a thunderstorm late Thursday.

It struck about 9:45 p.m.

The Rio Vista Shopping Center at Seymour Highway and Loop 11 appeared to have taken the brunt of the storm. One section of the center was virtually destroyed. An apartment complex near Kemp Boulevard and Seymour Highway had a portion of its roof destroyed.

Strong winds severely damaged an apartment complex near Kemp Boulevard and Seymour Highway late Thursday.
Strong winds severely damaged an apartment complex near Kemp Boulevard and Seymour Highway late Thursday.

Trees and branches were down around the city. Many traffic control signals were out of operation during the morning hours. Thousands of residents lost power and many others were without internet service.

Wichita Falls Police spokesman Charlie Eipper said extra police officers were called in to help with the emergency.

The outages closed the bus center in downtown Wichita Falls, as well as the library and MPEC complex.

About 7,500 Oncor customers remained without power Friday morning.

The Wichita County Courthouse was closed Friday morning but both the courthouse and its annex were scheduled to open at 1 p.m.

There were reports of 18-wheelers overturned. Damage was also reported in or near Iowa Park.

Firefighters assess the scene at the shopping center off Seymour Highway, Thursday, August 10, 2023.
Firefighters assess the scene at the shopping center off Seymour Highway, Thursday, August 10, 2023.

No injuries have been reported.

Alex Zwink with the National Weather Service in Norman said the damage was caused by downbursts from a single thunderstorm that moved the the area. He said wind in the storm was measured at about 60 mph, but was probably higher in the downbursts.

A broken telephone pole hangs near a vehicle just off of Seymour Highway, Thursday, August 10, 2023.
A broken telephone pole hangs near a vehicle just off of Seymour Highway, Thursday, August 10, 2023.

City spokesman Chris Horgen provided information about city services and facilities:

  • The MPEC complex was closed by a power outage.

  • The travel center (bus station) is closed.

  • The public library and 50-plus Zone are closed.

  • A dump station for tree limbs is open in Lucy Park. This is for tree limbs only.

  • The city will waive fees for building permits on repairs, but permits are required.

The Wichita Falls Police Department is asking the public to avoid traveling on Seymour Highway between Loop 11 and Brook Street. The high volume of traffic is is slowing the power recovery effort.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Powerful storm inflicts heavy damage in and around Wichita Falls

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next