A confirmed EF-1 tornado touched down in Blue Ridge around 11 p.m. Monday, the National Weather service said Tuesday. The tornado produced estimated winds of 100 mph, the agency said.
Local officials in Blue Ridge on Tuesday morning told Dallas-area media yesterday at least two buildings lost their roof, including the fire department's administration building.
“It just started raining really heavy. It got really loud and that's when the roof was blown off,” Blue Ridge Fire Capt. Bonnie Bowers told WFAA-TV.
"We're an all-volunteer department. We depend on donations for everything we get. So, that's going to be the hard part is actually getting back to where we were. We've worked really hard to get to this point. So, it's just rebuilding from now on out," Bowers said.
Other homes and buildings in Blue Ridge were damaged, and several trees were downed. No injuries have been reported in Blue Ridge or elsewhere in Collin County as a result of the storms. The same storm system caused widespread flooding the necessitated several rescues in McKinney.
The First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge has established a fund to assist families with immediate needs, county officials said. Financial donations can be made through the church’s website, FirstBlueRidge.org, or by texting TORNADORELIEF to 888-411-3304. People may mail donations to FBC Blue Ridge, 316 Highway 78 N, Blue Ridge, TX 75424. The church is not accepting donations of physical goods.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management is asking residents to report damages from the April 4 storms, for both insured and uninsured property. Residents can report damages online here.
