Tens of thousands without power after Dallas tornado

By James Reinl

NEW YORK (AA) - Tens of thousands of people were left without power in Eastern Texas, in the United States, on Monday, after tornado winds lashed parts of Dallas, tearing through roofs of homes and downing power lines.

The U.S. National Weather Service confirmed that at least one tornado touched down in northern Dallas around 9 p.m. on Sunday evening, though no deaths or serious injuries were reported by city officials.

“There are currently 100 signal lights without power, 85 signals on flash and multiple signal lights knocked down,” the City of Dallas said in a statement on its website on Monday.

“City crews have been surveying the damage since shortly after the storm.”

Police and firefighters were “assessing damaged structures” in the wake of the tornado, the statement added. They posted photos online showing ripped up homes and other damage from the powerful winds.

“Residents are encouraged to stay indoors if they are in an area with storm damage due to downed trees, power lines and debris,” city officials said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, warned that powerful storms may continue.

“Treacherous weather will continue to strike various regions of the state — especially North & East Texas. Be alert. Heed warnings. Stay safe,” Abbott said in a tweet.

One person died when a tree fell on a home in northwest Arkansas. Tornado warnings were in effect Monday morning in eastern Arkansas as the storm system moved to the east.