Johnson County experienced severe weather with three tornadoes, including two confirmed EF-0 twisters in Rio Vista and Cleburne. A third tornado in Cresson is still under evaluation. Despite the damage, officials have reported no injuries or fatalities.
Among those affected is Ricardo Camas, who had just received the keys to his new home a week and a half ago. Following the storm, he discovered that his home had suffered severe damage, making it unlivable. “You could see the sky from right in the living room,” Camas said, as the roof was torn off and wrapped around a nearby tree.
Camas and his mother witnessed the destruction firsthand upon arriving at the property. “Devastation a little bit. It’s kind of rough to put into words, but I don’t get too down on it, right, something that’s not in my control,” he added. Circular patterns in the grass suggest where the tornado may have touched down.
Other residents across Johnson County shared their experiences of the storm’s sudden impact. Amy Hamilton took cover in her bathroom as the tornado passed. “It was like a swirling sound. And I think I heard it come down and then go back up. It was really quick,” Hamilton stated.
Hamilton also noted the storm’s force was powerful enough to move boats on her property. “It moved my son’s boat. It moved my husband’s boat,” she reported. Residents are now assessing the damage caused by strong winds and hail while starting the cleanup process with assistance from neighbors and organizations like the Red Cross.
Camas mentioned that the storm disrupted plans to complete work on his new home. “We had painters scheduled this week, we had everything on the books. And we had to cancel everything this morning. It’s been a wild ride,” he said. The community continues to rally together to support one another during this challenging time.