In a tragic turn of events, a powerful tornado tore through the town of Matador in Texas, claiming the lives of at least four people and injuring ten others. The storm struck amidst scorching temperatures, adding to the challenges faced by officials and residents already grappling with a relentless heat wave., according to media reports.
The fire service in the neighboring city of Lubbock took to Twitter to express the unprecedented nature of the tornado's impact on Matador, revealing extensive damage caused by the destructive winds. As the community mourns the loss of life, authorities have opened a cooling center to provide relief from the soaring temperatures.
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The US National Weather Service confirmed the significant damage inflicted on the west side of Matador, with multiple buildings left heavily damaged or completely destroyed. The service reported a series of tornadoes in Texas on Wednesday, accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds that affected various cities across the state.
Tragically, this devastating storm follows a similar one that struck Perryton just a week ago, resulting in three fatalities and numerous injuries. The region, including Texas and parts of the southern United States, has been contending with severe weather conditions and an intense heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius).
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To support affected individuals, cities like Lubbock and Houston have established air-conditioned shelters for those seeking respite from the scorching heat. However, the strain on Texas' independent power grid has been evident, with surging demand and power outages affecting more than 220,000 people, according to Poweroutage.us.
