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What You Need to Know
July 8, 2024 - Due to multiple confirmed tornadoes across the ArkLaTex area, there have been impacts to our energy delivery system.
- Additional outages could occur until SWEPCO’s transmission system is stabilized.
- Customers should prepare to be without service for an extended period.
- Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to threaten the area with additional tornadoes, heavy rain and flooding.
Current Situation
With ongoing confirmed tornadoes across the ArkLaTex service area, there have been impacts to our energy delivery system. As a result, additional outages could occur until SWEPCO’s transmission system is stabilized. Customers should prepare to be without service for an extended period. Our teams will be working as soon as possible to safely get the power restored.
Tropical Storm Beryl, once a Category 5 hurricane, made landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast early Monday morning. As Beryl moves inland, the strong storm system has spawned several tornadoes, produced strong winds and heavy rainfall. The threat continues for more tornadoes and flooding through Tuesday. Customers are encouraged to stay weather aware.
As of 4pm Monday, approximately 23,000 SWEPCO customers were without power. This includes customers in Southwest Arkansas, Northwest Louisiana and Northeast Texas. New outages could continue to occur as the transmission system is stabilized.
Updated 3:37pm: Tornado warning until 4:15pm. At 3:34pm, a tornado producing storm was located near Tenaha, or 8 miles north of Center, moving north at 45 mph. Radar confirmed tornado - damaging tornado. Impact includes flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. This tornadic storm will be near... Tenaha around 3:40pm and Carthage around 3:55pm.
Updated 3:16pm: At 3:07 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Patroon, or 14 miles southeast of Center, moving northwest at 35 mph.
Updated 1:28pm: At 1:28 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Neuville, or 8 miles south of Center, moving north at 85 mph.
Updated 1:10pm: At 1:10pm, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Macune, or 25 miles south of Center, moving north at 40 mph.
July 8, 2024 - The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Tornado Warning for Southeastern Shelby County in eastern Texas, Eastern San Augustine County in eastern Texas, Southwestern Sabine County in eastern Texas until 130 PM CDT.
At 12:38pm CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Browndell, or 12 miles northeast of Ebenezer, moving north at 50 mph.
Hazard: Tornado.
Source: Radar indicated rotation.
Impact: Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.
This dangerous storm will be near Pineland around 12:45pm CDT. San Augustine around 1pmCDT. Bland Lake around 1:05pm CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Bronson, McElroy, Denning, Chinaquapin, and Calgary.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
July 8, 2024 - After being struck by what is believed to be a tornado, all responders are being called back as of 3pm.
Josh Tipton, Constable Precinct 5, has confirmed every local fire department in Shelby County is on scene assisting with cleanup and locating any residents that may be unaccounted for.
The City hall has been severely damaged and other overhangs around other buildings such as Quick Stop and Quick Care.
Photo Courtesy Tenaha VFD
Texas Department of Public Safety, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department deputies, Constable Precinct 4 Texas Department of Emergency Management and Commissioner Precinct 4 are assisting on scene.
July 8, 2024 - Shelby County Tax Assessor-Collector Debora Riley advises the Tax Office and the Motor Vehicle offices will be closed today due to weather. The office should open back up tomorrow with regular business hours.
July 8, 2024 - Timpson Mayor Debra Smith is telling everyone as of 1:41pm July 8, 2024 to stay home at this time as tornadoes are hitting Shelby County as the result of Beryl.
City Hall has been damaged. Quick Stop has received damage and other buildings in the city have also been received damage from the storm.
Everyone is asked to please stay home. Stay off the roads, and stay safe. Do not come to Timpson at this time.
Additional information will be updated when available.
July 8, 2024 - Tornado Watch 514 is in effect until 10pm CDT for the following locations:
Texas counties included are: Angelina, Bowie Cass, Chambers, Cherokee, Gregg, Hardin, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Marion, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, and Walker.
July 7, 2024 - A strong thunderstorm will impact south central Panola and northwestern Shelby counties through 6pm CDT.
At 5:17pm CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7 miles southeast of Timpson, or 8 miles west of Center, moving north at 15 mph.
Hazard: Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
Source: Radar indicated.
Impact: Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include: Center, Tenaha, Timpson, Gary City, Dotson, Stockman, and Woods.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
This storm may intensify as outflow boundaries will interact, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
July 6, 2024 - State Highway 7 (SH7) East was the scene of a two-vehicle crash Friday, July 5, 2024, involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle at around 9pm.
According to information from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 8:40pm, a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle ridden by Franklin Jackson II, 56, of Joaquin was traveling west, followed by a silver 2018 Hyundai Elantra passenger car driven by Jamesala Pucillo, 34, of Mansfield, La. It is reported that the Kawasaki slowed to make a left turn into a private drive and was struck in the rear by the Hyundai.
Jackson lost his life as a result of the incident and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Donna Hughes, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1. Melba Rodgers, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, was also on scene.
He was later transported from the location by Watson & Sons Funeral Home.
EMS were on scene and transported Pucillo by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of possible injuries.
DPS reports Pucillo was not injured, and displayed signs of intoxication and is facing intoxication charges and unlawful carrying of a weapon. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and no further information is available.
Personnel with the Center Fire Department, Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department (JVFD), and DeSoto Fire District 1 halted traffic at the intersection of U.S. Highway 84 and State Highway 7 in Joaquin, as well as State Highway 7 and FM 2608 in the James Community so Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers could investigate the scene of the crash and other traffic wouldn’t get caught stopped at the scene for several hours.
Additional units with JVFD had both ends of the scene closed near CR 3182 for approximately a mile to allow for DPS to perform their investigation assisted by Constables from Precincts 4 and 5, as well as the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
The roadway was reopened at around 12:55am, July 6.
July 6, 2024 - The Lufkin District is preparing to open its Emergency Operations Center ahead of the impacts expected in East Texas from Hurricane Beryl.
Crews will begin working 12-hour shifts beginning Monday at 7 am in order to begin monitoring and clearing the roadways of any debris caused from the incoming storm. TxDOT also encourages the public to make a plan to stay safe and prepare for winds, possible flooding, and any damage that could occur near their homes.
“Our number one goal is safety, both for our crews as they work through the coming days, and also for the traveling public and our communities as we prepare for a possible Category 1 or 2 hurricane in East Texas,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “We urge the public to make a plan, and if you travel, visit our website to determine the best route.”
Additional information for hurricane preparedness, safety tips, and evacuation routes can be found at https://www.txdot.gov/safety/severe-weather/hurricane-preparation.html . Also, drivetexas.org will be updated regularly and the public can access information regarding road conditions and closures statewide.
Items to include in your basic emergency disaster kit include:
- Water (one gallon per day for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (non-perishable)
- Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio with a NOAA Weather Radio tone alert
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Extra fuel (gas for vehicles or generators or propane for grills or cooktops)
- Moist towelettes
- Can openers (for food)
- Cell phone chargers and a backup battery
To stay aware of events in the Lufkin District during the Beryl weather event, follow us on Facebook at Texas Department of Transportation (Lufkin), on X (Twitter) at TxDOTLufkin, or Instagram at txdotlufkin.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.
July 6, 2024 - FEMA is monitoring Hurricane Beryl, which is likely to affect portions of Texas this week with dangerous storm surge and flash flooding. FEMA is coordinating closely with our state, local and tribal partners. At this time, there are no unmet needs.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center is warning of a risk for damaging hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge along portions of the lower and middle Texas coast starting Sunday.
Flash and urban flooding is likely across portions of the Texas Gulf Coast and eastern Texas beginning late Sunday through the middle of next week. While Beryl is a tropical storm as of Saturday, July 6, strengthening is expected to begin tonight or on Sunday and Beryl is currently forecast to become a hurricane before it reaches the Texas coast.
The time to prepare is now. Residents and visitors in the storm’s potential path should closely monitor the weather, follow directions from local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so. Download the free FEMA App to receive real-time weather alerts and find local emergency shelters in your area. You can find more hurricane preparedness information on Ready.gov and Listo.gov.
“The safety of you and your family is too important to wait, now is the time to make final preparations for Hurricane Beryl,” cautioned FEMA’s Regional Administrator Tony Robinson. “Understand the risks in your area, consider your family’s specific needs, listen to directions from local officials and be prepared for possible power outages lasting up to several days,” he added.
FEMA continues to work closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and has pre-positioned staff and resources to support local and state efforts. Specific information on Tropical Storm Beryl can be found at tdem.texas.gov/disasters/beryl.
Tips to Stay Safe Before, During and After a Hurricane
- Do not focus on the exact track of this storm. Tropical storm force winds may extend up to 125 miles from the center. Additionally, large swells generated by Beryl are expected to reach much of the Gulf Coast today. These swells are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
- Be in the know about your evacuation zone. You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Act now by learning your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay. Learn more about how to evacuate safely on Ready.gov.
- Know how to stay safe during high winds, storm surge and flooding. Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding. Evacuate immediately if you are told to do so. Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds. Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
- Stay informed. It’s important for residents and visitors in these areas to follow the instructions of state and local officials by monitoring local radio or television stations for updated emergency information.
- Turn Around. Don’t Drown®. Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous. Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle or fall if you are walking through it. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.
- Stay out of floodwater. Walking, swimming, or driving through flood waters is extremely dangerous.
- Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines or contain hazards such as wild or stray animals, human and livestock waste, and chemicals that can lead to illness.
- Have a plan. Make sure you consider your family’s unique needs, including anyone who needs medicine or medical equipment. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if you aren’t together when a severe storm hits. Visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov for more information on how to stay safe before, during and after severe weather.
Other Important Tips:
- Hurricanes can affect power systems, causing power outages. If the power goes out, use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency lighting and NEVER use candles during a blackout or power outage due to extreme risk of fire.
- Remember, gas pumps, automated teller machines (ATMs), medical equipment, computers, cell phone chargers, grocery store checkout counters, escalators and elevators may not work during a power outage.
- When using generators, always use them outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages. Make sure to keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding.
For the latest information on Hurricane Beryl preparedness, follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.
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