Tornado Touches Down in Northern Coke County, Texas

A confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado touched down in northern Coke County, Texas, near Robert Lee, on Friday evening. The tornado was reported by storm spotters on the ground and was moving east at 10 mph, heading towards E.V. Spence Reservoir. Authorities warned citizens to take cover and follow local emergency instructions.

Severe weather events like this tornado can have devastating consequences for local communities, including loss of life and property damage. Moreover, the increasing frequency and intensity of such events highlight the need for enhanced emergency preparedness and climate resilience measures.

The tornado touched down at the intersection of Hwy 208 and Ranch Road 2662, near Robert Lee, at 4:55 p.m. Friday. A tornado warning was put into effect until 5:30 p.m. for southeastern Coke County, northern Tom Green County, and west central Runnels County. Significant damage has been reported with the tornado.

Why this matters: At 5:09 p.m., a dangerous tornado was spotted over Robert Lee, with authorities urging citizens to "TAKE COVER NOW". Additional severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued for the surrounding areas, including northeastern Schleicher County, eastern Tom Green County, southwestern Runnels County, western Concho County, and the Wall area.

Residents are advised that if they spot a tornado, they should immediately go into a basement or small central room in a sturdy structure, or move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. People should stay weather aware and alert for possible tornadoes, which can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms.

A tornado watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. for west central Texas, including Coke, Tom Green, Runnels, Schleicher, and Concho counties. The Concho Valley area is bracing for storms expected to hit the region. Citizens are urged to stay tuned to local media and emergency alerts for the latest updates on this dangerous weather situation.

Key Takeaways

• Tornado confirmed in Coke County, Texas, near Robert Lee.
• Tornado moving east at 10 mph, heading towards E.V. Spence Reservoir.
• Authorities warn citizens to take cover and follow local emergency instructions.
• Tornado watch in effect until 10 p.m. for west central Texas counties.
• Residents advised to stay weather aware and alert for possible tornadoes.