UPDATE: Downburst, Not Tornado Caused Clyde Damage
By: Bigcountryhomepage.com Staff Reports
Updated: May 1, 2011
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service have viewed the damage and say the storm was not a tornado. Instead, they're classifying it as a downburst with straight line winds up to 80 mph.
A downburst is created by an area of significantly rain-cooled air that, after reaching ground level, spreads out in all directions producing strong winds.
11:00 a.m., Sunday Update:
AEP Texas reports the number of customers without power in Taylor and Callahan Counties is now less than 600.
Meteorologist Randy Turner has driven throughout the city of Clyde and reports widespread damage all over town.
At Hawk Portable Buildings, a steel structure collapsed. A slideshow of images posted on bigcountryhomepage.com, shows damage to churches, homes, and buildings.
The National Weather Service may send out a meteorologist to survey the damage. No injures have been reported.
9:30 a.m., Sunday Update:
AEP Texas reports 1,380 customers remain without power in Callahan County.
Original Story:
A severe storm swept through the Big Country overnight causing major damage to the Callahan County town of Clyde.
Bigcountryhomepage.com crews report damage to homes and businesses as well as trees down in the area.
Facebook user Rhonda Schroeder reported there was no longer a roof over half of her brother's home. She uploaded pictures of the damage to Facebook.
As of 9 a.m., residents reported they remained without power. It's believed that downed power lines are to blame for the issue.
Some first responders in town tell meteorologist Alex Hayes the damage appears to be from a tornado. However, the Clyde Police Department believes it was from strong winds. The National Weather Service never issued a tornado watch or warning for the area.
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