4 Dead, 9 Injured in Tornado that Ripped Through Texas Town

At least four people died, and nine others were injured in a tornado that ripped through a tiny town in West Texas. The tornado struck the town at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

A powerful storm, believed to be a tornado, struck the town of Matador, Texas, Wednesday evening, possibly leaving at least four people dead, according to EverythingLubbock.com. Authorities also said they are searching for others trapped by debris.

HAPPENING NOW‼️
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TEXAS
A line of severe storms produced at least one tornado Wednesday evening on the Rolling Plains of West Texas, including one that reportedly caused damage around the Matador community.
In a message at 8:08 p.m., the National Weather Service in… pic.twitter.com/u5PQq30MQQ

— SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) June 22, 2023

Weather officials described the series of severe storms that produced what they describes as a “rare combination of multiple tornadoes, hurricane-force winds and softball-sized hail. The storms unfolded about 8 p.m. on Wednesday and slammed into Matador, according to Matt Ziebell with the National Weather Service in Lubbock, the Associated Press reported.

More heartbreaking images are coming out of Matador, TX. Sources are reporting at least one fatality as search and rescue operations are underway. #TXwx #Matador pic.twitter.com/BJYtWu0rgh

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) June 22, 2023

“That is certainly rare to see all at the same time, killer tornadoes, hurricane-force winds, and softball-sized hail,” Zeibell explained.

More than likely violent tornado damage from Matador TX earlier. Significant ground scouring + heavy debarking of tornado resistant vegetation is not easy to do in Texas. Very high confidence that in a EF3+ rating per NWS rating.

Photos: LSM/Val Castor pic.twitter.com/YnzTdY2hzD

— SRRadarLoops (@LoopsSr) June 22, 2023

The tiny town of Matador, which has a population of about 600 people, is located in Motley County about 70 miles northeast of Lubbock, Texas. The town took the brunt of a line of storms that marched through the area Wednesday evening.

The line of storms caused widespread damage but it appears Matador is the only one that sustained major damage, according to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

More than likely violent tornado damage from Matador TX earlier. Significant ground scouring + heavy debarking of tornado resistant vegetation is not easy to do in Texas. Very high confidence that in a EF3+ rating per NWS rating.

Photos: LSM/Val Castor pic.twitter.com/YnzTdY2hzD

— SRRadarLoops (@LoopsSr) June 22, 2023

A look at the damage after a tornado hit the town of Matador, Texas. No word yet on the number of injuries, if any.
: @jrileywx pic.twitter.com/Pu6cIRIFoG

— Larry Rodriguez ⛈️ (@larrydtv) June 22, 2023

KCBD Fox 34’s Joshua Ramirez reported that a Dollar General store was completely destroyed, along with homes, barns, and farmland. Ramirez said there was nothing left where the building used to be standing.

Reports now of some structures in Matador TX being slabbed. Also, reports of a Dollar General being struck with possible fatalities involved sadly. (Image on the right is reportedly the Dollar General)#txwx #wxtwitter pic.twitter.com/zR7MlQ4SRZ

— Samuel Camp WX (@wxmansamc) June 22, 2023

A News 9 storm tracker reported he had to help dig one person out of the wreckage of a home “that didn’t make it.”

He also reported seeing cars twisted up into balls from the storm.

This is the second time in less than a week that a tornado has taken lives in West Texas. At least three people died on June 15 when an EF3 tornado ripped through the Texas Panhandle town of Perryton, Breitbart Texas reported.