‘Beyond belief’: Springtown residents reeling following tornado damage to homes
On Saturday night, Curtis Nager grabbed a flashlight and left his home in unincorporated Parker County, about four miles south of Springtown, to check the outside of his property after a tornado and heavy hail pelted the area. He was worried his home or garage were damaged.
There was no major damage to his home, but what he saw across the street was stunning.
Nager’s neighbor’s home on Woody Creek Drive was destroyed. The roof had collapsed, windows were shattered and about half the house was no longer standing. Nager and his family knew strong winds were supposed to hit Parker County, but they had no idea it would be as bad as it was.
“We knew there was an opportunity for some bad storms,” Nager said. “But it looked like it was all going to stay north of us. The extent of the damage, especially to our neighbor’s house, it was beyond belief.”
Nager’s neighbors were among hundreds of North Texans who experienced property damage from Saturday’s tornado and thunderstorms. Thousands across Springtown and Parker County are still without power two days later. There are still trees uprooted and littered all across lawns and streets in the area. At a home near Nager’s, a RV was flipped on its side and still sitting in the same position two days later. A 69-year-old woman died when the storm struck her mobile home about four miles from Nager’s residence.
The National Weather Service categorized the tornado as an EF-1 with winds up to 105 miles per hour in Springtown and areas that surround it across Parker County. In Runaway Bay, the NWS confirmed an EF-2 tornado with 135 mph winds. In Wise County, one person was killed and more than 25 families were displaced. Fire departments near Springtown responded to more than 70 calls for service over the weekend.
No one in the area thought it would be this bad, residents said.
“We felt some pressure in the house with the walls moving a little bit,” Nager said. “But there was nothing too major. When we walked out later that night with flashlights, we couldn’t believe how much damage some homes had experienced.”
Nager’s home was largely fine, but the door blew off his garage and landed in his neighbor’s front lawn. On Monday morning, hundreds across the city and unincorporated areas nearby were outside moving fallen trees and branches, collecting debris and straightening up their yards.
Springtown ISD canceled classes Monday following the tornado, and churches in the area have opened as cooling centers. The American Red Cross is still working to establish long-term shelter.
“I’ve witnessed trees uprooted and mangled; barns, roofs, houses and vehicles torn apart; an RV upside down, billboards completely destroyed,” said Alisha Richardson. “But what I also witnessed was the amount of wonderful people coming together to help each other. We sure do live in a good place with some good people.”
Dozens of people in the area have volunteered to help clear tree branches off lawns and fix other property damage at the homes of their elderly neighbors. A Facebook post on a Springtown group page asking for volunteers has over 30 comments, with residents offering help with cleanup, meals and donations for those impacted.
“We can get a lot done,” said Zaylen Bell. “I know guys that have dump trailers and tools but no equipment and I know guys with equipment but no trailers. I have it all and God has blessed me. I’m not sweating fuel and food bills. We need to collaborate with other contractors out there who want to be decent and do good work and help the community free of charge.”
The City of Springtown began collecting debris off residents’ lawns on Monday morning, but those outside the city who live in unincorporated Parker County said they have been left with less assistance.
“I’m just really lost here,” said Stephanie Ruiz. “I have a dump truck, but I’m not sure where to take the debris. I’m praying for our community and everyone who was hit, even in the smallest way.”
