Irving Tornado Displaces Families, City Launches Recovery Efforts

IRVING, Texas — Students and families displaced by a tornado that struck the city on Tuesday are receiving significant assistance as recovery efforts progress. The National Weather Service confirmed the storm was an EF-1 tornado that caused extensive damage to the Tree Country Apartments and surrounding areas.

On the morning of the tornado, which touched down in Irving, approximately 85 families lost their homes after the storm severely damaged the apartment complex located at West Pioneer and North O’Connor. Notably, De Zavala Middle School and the Irving Family Advocacy Center, both located nearby, also suffered substantial damage.

The powerful tornado left local residents in dire need, prompting several nonprofit organizations to step in. The Irving Schools Foundation, operated by the Irving Independent School District, has been coordinating aid for the affected families, many of whom had ties to the impacted apartment complex. “It’s very fluid right now because our families are still trying to figure out what they have and what they don’t have,” said De Zavala Middle School Principal Tiffany Williams. “Right now, they’re just in need of basic supplies.”

Telma Rodriguez, a resident of the Tree Country Apartments since 1990, expressed uncertainty about her future as she returned to salvage belongings. “I have to find a new place to live,” she said, highlighting the plight shared by many in the community.

To assist the displaced families, the Irving Schools Foundation has organized a food drive supported by donations, including items from Amazon. Foundation President Crystal Scanio remarked, “With the tornado, our friends and partners really stepped in to provide everything our children need to make sure they feel comfortable and safe.”

Utility crews are working diligently to restore power and replace utility poles damaged by the tornado, while staff at the Family Advocacy Center is clearing out files from their damaged building. Emergency services have been assessing the damage to ensure public safety before allowing residents to return home.

Winds during the EF-1 tornado reached up to 110 mph, carving a path of destruction measuring 0.42 miles long and 85 yards wide. Although an estimated 350 residents were evacuated from the area, police reported no major injuries.

The city has opened the Georgia Farrow Recreation Center on Davis Drive as a temporary shelter for those in need. Furthermore, with Spring Break approaching next week, the foundation is preparing to provide students with supplemental food to help them through the school closure.

In the wake of the tornado, local businesses are reporting damage as well. Mike Amir, owner of a laundry store, described the scene, stating, “It was a war zone. Look at it. There used to be no tree here. There’s a tree here now.”

Irving Police Officer Anthony Alexander stated that there is currently no set timeline for when residents will be allowed to return to their homes, emphasizing the importance of safety and thorough damage assessment by emergency crews.

The city intends to keep residents informed through social media updates as clean-up efforts continue and utility services are restored.