National Weather Service: Turkey, TX tornado was EF-3, winds reached 138 mph
TURKEY, TX (KCBD) - The Turkey, TX tornado hit the ground around 10 p.m. Monday night. The National Weather Service confirms the tornado was an EF-3.
Because of the damage left behind, officials with the National Weather Service estimate the winds reached at least 138 mph.
Officials say three large steel electrical pylons were bent and broken due to the wind. The pylons are located six miles southeast of Turkey. The tornado track was from six miles southeast of Turkey in northern Motley County to two miles north of the Motley County line.
Officials also say the tornado was about a half-mile wide.
The National Weather Service issued this statement:
This tornado was apparently a large, wedge multi-vortex tornado that was nearly stationary for a few minutes and then began moving slowly northwest toward Turkey. Damage indicators were sparse in this part of Hall County. The wind estimate was derived from several steel pylons (supporting electrical lines) that were bent to the ground with winds estimated to be in the range of 135 to 140 mph. This puts this tornado in the lower end of the EF3 range which is 136 to 165 mph.
We could also see trees in the distance blown over, uprooted, but were unable to get closer due to flooded roads and a limited road network. Based on spotter reports, radar data, and limited survey data points, the map below represents our best estimate of the details of the this strong tornado.
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