The Texas Storm Victims Have Been Identified

Shortly after Christmas, a treacherous line of storms swept through the Dallas region of Texas, wrecking property, killing 11 people, and injuring dozens of others. A 40-mile stretch of land was hit with tornadoes and heavy winds, some of which reached speeds up to over 200 mph. At least a dozen tornadoes were reported throughout northern Texas, but it is uncertain how many touched down. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, and Ellis Counties disaster zones, warning that the number of victims from the Texas tornadoes could increase. The names of the known victims have not yet been released.

Although the state has not yet declared a total number of casualties, 11 individuals were confirmed earlier on, after these severe tornadoes hit the four Texas counties. Many of these victims leave behind devastated family and friends, who are not only bravely handling their loss, but also loss on a devastating scale. Thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed. Search teams continue working to ensure all people affected by these storms are found and returned to safety, if possible.

According to the Dallas Morning News, the victims are: Camryn Crain, Cecil Lowrie, Petra Ruiz, Kimberly Tippett, Jose Oviedo Juarez, Lashondra Whitaker, Sharva Sanders, and Timothy Harris.

Texas was not the only place stricken by these storms. Authorities in Southern Missouri and other areas of the Midwest report that creeks and roadways are flooding to dangerous extents. Several county roads have closed, and multiple vehicles were left in rising waters. Oklahoma is also dealing with menacing precipitation, from snow in the panhandle to rain, sleet, and flooding throughout the state. New Mexico, Alabama, Mississippi, and Illinois are also handling hazardous conditions as Christmas weekend comes to a close.

As further information is released, the horrible reality of these storms sets in. The search for victims continues, while the nation hopes for this weather to finally come to an end.