Twelve twisters hit North Texas after Christmas

Twelve tornadoes tore through North Texas as part of a storm system that killed 11 people and caused $1.2 billion in insured damages, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.

The National Weather Service increased the number of documented tornadoes — from 10 to 12 — on Wednesday after collecting and reviewing more information and reports.

“We found evidence of two more tornadoes,” said Jennifer Dunn, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

One previously documented tornado, was brief and touched down just west of Hillsboro near a field or trees, the weather service reported.

“We will be investigating to see if there was anymore damage caused by it,” Dunn said.

Another brief tornado touched ground about one mile north of Maypearl in Ellis County.

Dunn said they continue to investigate the storm system and deadly twisters that pounded Collin, Dallas, and Ellis counties on Saturday.

Hundreds of homes were damaged in Ellis County. In Garland, an EF-4 tornado packing over 150-mph winds damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and residences were damaged or destroyed.

Dunn said the powerful twisters came this December because of weather conditions that helped create a powerful system, including warm temperatures, humidity and a strong storm system.

“What made this one a little bit more unique is that it was December,” Dunn said.

The New Year’s Eve forecast includes a light chance for rain with a possible light scattering of sleet, Dunn said.

This story was originally published December 31, 2015 at 1:40 PM with the headline "Twelve twisters hit North Texas after Christmas."