The National Weather Services is reporting that the tornado that hit portions of southwest Garland Sunday evening was an EF 2 with maximum winds of 135 mph. The City of Garland estimates about 175 residential and commercial structures were damaged in Sunday’s storms, at least 36 with major damage and five destroyed. Property damage is estimated at $17 million.
Meanwhile, cleanup and power restoration continues. As of Tuesday afternoon, about 85 Garland Power & Light customers are without power. Most of those should be restored by the end of Wednesday. Customers without power should check their meter bases to make sure they are not damaged or pulled away from the home. If the meter base is damaged, customers need to have an electrician repair the meter base and have it inspected before power can be restored to the home.
Portions of Shiloh Road have been closed due to power transmission line repair activities and are expected to reopen Wednesday.
City trash crews will begin replacing damaged trash containers Wednesday. Brush and bulky crews will continue to pick up storm debris in the affected area throughout this week and next Monday. Brush and bulky items must be placed by the curb. Crews cannot remove items from private property.
To speed up the process, do not park in front of brush piles. Separate brush from other materials and cut big tree limbs to no longer than eight feet. Those who can take smaller loads in their own vehicles are welcome to transport their debris to the transfer station or landfill. This will allow crews to focus on larger loads.
GP&L continues to set up a trailer in the area heaviest hit by the storm, at Hilltop Drive and JoAnn Drive. There, residents can charge cellphones and get ice and water. The trailer will be will be restocked back onsite Wednesday morning at 9 a.m.
The City will post updates to GarlandTX.gov and to our Twitter and Facebook pages as they are available.