March 24, 2022 | 4:12 p.m.
Cleanup efforts and damage assessments continued after a severe storm system tore through Texas and other states earlier this week, bringing tornadoes, strong winds, and torrential rain. Convoy of Hope is providing resources to people in several affected locations.
“We are working with local churches and officials to get resources where they are needed most,” said Stacy Lamb of Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team.
Scenes from Jacksboro, Texas, were devastating — upside-down cars, houses moved from their foundations, and the local elementary school reduced to a heap of twisted metal and cinder blocks. Incredibly, though, all of those sheltering inside the school survived.
As the storm rolled across the southeastern U.S., a wind advisory stretched over multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
As of Tuesday afternoon, approximately 43,000 customers were without power in Texas.
Convoy of Hope distributed relief supplies to those affected, and will continue to provide food, water, and other necessities to survivors of this storm.
March 23, 2022 | 4 p.m.
The storm system that brought severe weather to Texas and Oklahoma on Monday continued to move east, spawning more tornadoes and dangerous conditions across Louisiana. Convoy of Hope’s response teams spread out across affected areas to better identify needs and distribute relief supplies.
The extent of the damage across Texas prompted Governor Greg Abbott to declare a state of disaster in 16 counties.
Damage assessments in Jacksboro, Texas, showed that Monday night’s weather activity damaged approximately 80 homes along with schools and other structures. Convoy quickly deployed relief supplies and delivered additional resources for this response in Kingston, Oklahoma. Alongside local partners, Convoy of Hope will continue distributing emergency relief supplies to communities now in need.
Convoy’s team members in the area are coordinating the distribution of emergency supplies while partners throughout the disaster zone provide ways for Convoy to facilitate relief in the weeks to come.
This storm system prompted a simultaneous disaster response in the state of Louisiana, where Convoy of Hope sent team members early Wednesday morning.
As needs become more apparent, Convoy will continue to provide hope and relief. Further updates will be posted here.
March 22, 2022 | 11:30 a.m.
Late Monday, tornadoes and severe weather struck parts of Texas and Oklahoma, causing extensive damage in some areas. Convoy of Hope responded within hours.
Multiple tornadoes were confirmed in areas around Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and southern Oklahoma. The storm system continued into Tuesday, threatening further damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
“We know there are many people whose lives have been completely disrupted and people who’ve lost their homes,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said during a news conference. “As of right now, there is no report of loss of life, which is just stunning.”
Photos from the disaster zone showed roofs torn from homes, scattered sheetrock, and piles containing debris and tree limbs more than six feet tall.
In Jacksboro, Texas, many took shelter at the local high school when the tornado struck. The building sustained major damage; thankfully, no injuries were reported.
“It brought tears to my eyes. It’s hard to see,” Jacksboro High School Principal Starla Sanders told local news network, WFAA. “I’ve never seen anything like this. You see these things on the news and you just never assume you’ll be in that position.”
The storm system that struck on Monday is moving east and is expected to continue gaining strength as temperatures rise on Tuesday. It is being followed by another potentially dangerous storm system.
Convoy of Hope deployed a response team early Tuesday morning. The team brought cleanup supplies and other essentials. Convoy will continue to assess needs as the team drives further into the disaster zone.
To support this response and others like it, click here.
