Fort Worth

Canton Tornado Aftermath: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The sound of chainsaws, tractors hauling loads of debris and people sweeping up broken glass filled the air along the core of Canton on Thursday.

The community banded together as soon as disaster struck.

The National Weather Service out of Fort Worth surveyed the damage on Thursday and determined three separate tornadoes hit in or near Canton: An EF-2 with 120-130 mph winds near Whitton; EF-1 with winds of 100 mph in Canton; an EF-1 with 90 mph winds northeast of Canton.

"It's looking a lot better than it was last night. It was devastated," said Justice of the Peace Sandra Plaster.

As soon as tornadoes touched down in Canton the judge knew what was also heading her way: help.

"My phone was burning up," she said. "'What can I do? What can I do?' And they're out here today."

A.D. Moore didn't hesitate to bring out his own machinery.

"Instead of having to do it all by hand I brought the tractor out to try and give them a little bit of assistance," said Moore.

A helping hand like the one he got not too long ago.

"I had so many people help two years ago when my house was destroyed in that big tornado and it was just amazing to see people: California, New Mexico, we had people from all over the country here helping. Well, this was my chance to give back a little bit," he said.

Neighbors came to each others aid too.

"Everybody helped us so we're trying to help too," said Elizabeth Pietzsch.

Because in a time of need it's about picking up and putting the pieces back, together.

"We just become a closer group of people," said Moore.

"And that is just something awesome about Van Zandt County," said Plaster.

Residents say they're breathing a sigh of relief that no lives were lost in the storms.

Only one minor injury has been reported.

The city of Canton reports damage, mainly to businesses.

First Monday Trade Days was not greatly affected and is currently going on without disruption, according to the city.

Damage, Tornado Photos

Pictures of Funnel Clouds on May 29, 2019

Storm Damage Photos - May 29, 2019

Storm Videos
A neighborhood in north Fort Worth was hit hard by severe storms Wednesday afternoon. This drone video was taken near the intersection of Interstate 35W and Heritage Trace Parkway.
Jessica Blackmon-White from Black Star Sport Horses caught this rotating wall cloud on camera in Rockwall Wednesday afternoon.
Latest Video Forecast

The latest video forecast from NBC DFW's team of Weather Experts will appear in the player above. Keep up with the latest changes to the weather by downloading the NBC DFW smartphone App for iOS and Android!

Read the latest forecast information from NBC 5's team of Weather Experts here.

Before the Storm
Weather Safety
Stay Safe During a Hail Storm
 
At Home?
  • Head indoors immediately
  • If time allows, close all drapes, blinds or shades to prevent broken glass from entering your home.
  • Stay away from windows and skylights (any exterior glass) and head to a safe location inside your home, ideally only with interior walls.
Outdoors?
  • Cover your head and seek shelter indoors immediately.
  • If you are trapped outside, get to a low-lying area and try to protect your head. Use clothing if it's all you have.
Driving?
  • Stay inside your vehicle.
  • Slow down or pull over and stop at a safe location. DO NOT stop under a highway overpass. You may be protecting your vehicle, but you could be forcing other people to stop behind you.
  • Turn your back to windows or cover yourself with a blanket, coat or spare clothing to protect yourself from breaking glass.
  • If you have a sunroof, try to find something to protect your head.

 

Contact Us