Windstorm Causes Major Damage in Coffee City and Bullard: Homes, Marina, and Trees Affected

HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) – Wind-related damage has been reported in areas of Bullard near Emerald Bay, as well as the Diamond Head Bay Subdivision off Highway 155.

Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said that groups of individuals are on the site to help clear the roads and examine the damage. County commissioners, an emergency management team, and several police and fire departments are all working in these locations to look for damage and assist anyone who may have been hurt.

Hillhouse said one person was brought to the hospital, but there were no reports of serious injuries as of 10:50 p.m.

He stated that they will remain at the scene throughout the night and into the morning. If someone needs a place to remain, they can go to the community centre or the Henderson County Senior Centre at Regional Fair Park, which have both opened their doors as shelters.

Many trees fell across streets and on top of structures in the Bullard area. Take a peek. A shelter has opened at Bullard Southern Baptist Church, located at 716 N. Houston St. in Bullard. This is a catastrophe shelter. Please bring pillows, blankets, and any other necessities. Only service animals are approved at this time.

Nykole Vance of Teaselville said she was travelling home off FM 346, about four miles from Emerald Bay, when she noticed trees falling one by one. She posted the picture below. At around 8 p.m., first responders were dispatched to Lake Palestine, near Bullard and Frankston. This included Henderson County Game Warden Chad West. West said he was near the Coffee City area when the storm hit, and he was able to rapidly assist other first responders who were also on the scene.

According to West, the storm brought down many trees and utility poles in the Briarwood Bay area, causing power outages. He claimed that ambulances were unable to reach anybody who may have been hurt. He was able to transport five EMTs/paramedics into the area to check on the people.

He stated that other responders to the incident included the Coffee City, Berryville, and West Side fire departments, as well as the Chandler Police Department, DPS to assist with highways, and Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, among others. Trinity Valley Electric Co-op was already on the site inspecting the condition of electricity cables and poles.

He also stated that first responders will be looking for looters. He requested that everyone avoid the area for safety reasons.

The roof of the Lake Palestine Marina boat launch has been entirely torn off, and several trees have fallen near the marina.

Viewer Chris Landrum posted the following video of the devastation he witnessed: Landrum claimed his boat was the last one out there. He was out fishing on the lake and missed the storm by about 15 minutes. He expressed gratitude that he was not present when the incident occurred.

This video from the marina, filmed by a KLTV employee, shows emergency crews’ lights. A Diamond Head Bay resident reported that multiple trees and electricity cables had fallen, and he “felt like the roof was going to be sucked off his house.” Henderson County announced on Facebook that “a possible tornado touched down near Coffee City, causing significant damage to buildings, trees, and power lines.”

Emergency response workers are on the site and offering aid. They ask that residents avoid travelling through the region. Call the authorities if you require assistance. The Coffee City Civic building will serve as a temporary shelter. A generator has been acquired, and the facility will be operational once energised.”