By Nathan Straus
nstraus@jacksonvilleprogress.com
Conditions were ripe Wednesday for a twister as rain and even hail poured down on East Texas.
Jacksonville and northern Cherokee County caught the brunt of the storm and a tornado warning went into effect at about 1:57 p.m.
Aaron Stevens, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Shreveport, said big chunks of ice fell from the sky alongside fairly hard rain.
“There’s a big red blob sitting over Jacksonville,” Stevens said during the storm. “Inbound and outbound radar signatures are indicative of a tornado.”
At first, the tornado warning was issued until 2:45 p.m., but the NWS extended it to 3:30 p.m.
The warning was first issued, National Weather Service officials reported, when meteorologists detected a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado 11 miles southwest of Jacksonville and moving northeast at 30 mph.
Other locations in the warning included Reese, Mount Selman, Mixon, Bullard, Troup and more.
“A tornado warning means that strong rotation has been detected in the storm,” officials said. “A tornado may already be on the ground or is expected to develop shortly.”
According to meteorologists, no tornado was confirmed.
Authorities from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department reported no serious damage to property and no injuries due to golf ball-sized hail that fell during a brief period that afternoon.
The tornado watch in effect in Cherokee County was ended during the evening.
Local News
NWS puts county under tornado warning
- Local News
-
-
Model U.N. gives students a global perspective
Last week, delegates from over 40 countries met in Kilgore to discuss important issues within their borders.
-
2 men charged in aggravated assault
A New Summerfield man turned himself in to the Cherokee County jail last week for a late January aggravated assault incident.
-
Changes in store for Daily Progress website this week
Beginning with Tuesday's edition, the Daily Progress will change its method of delivering news through its website.
-
Alto police hire two new officers
After six months without a police force, and two months of running with two officers, the Alto Police Department is fully staffed.
-
Rusk officials mull education partnerships
The Rusk Economic Development Corporation board of directors is deliberating a project that could grant every graduating Rusk senior a free education at Tyler Junior College.
-
Taxes hot topic at GOP forum
Lower tax rates was the heat of the topic at the East Texas Candidate Forum at Jacksonville College Buckner Chapel on Tuesday night.
-
Jumping into a healthier lifestyle
About 300 elementary students from Joe Wright, Fred Douglass, East Side and West Side filled the Jacksonville Middle School gymnasium to participated in the Jump Rope for Heart activity on Tuesday.
-
Trustees: Seminary in good financial shape
After a two-day evaluation of the Baptist Missionary Association of Theological Seminary, the board of trustees found the school in well-standing, officials said on Tuesday.
-
Rusk officials discuss their youth's future
Officials discussed a program that has been in the works for two years — to grant every student graduating from Rusk ISD a chance to go to college for free at a joint city council and economic development corporation meeting Wednesday afternoon.
-
Bullard man arrested, charged with allegedly choking girlfriend Sunday
A Bullard resident was arrested Sunday after he was accused of choking his girlfriend.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
