Tornado in Montague County, Texas

Tornado number two was a large tornado with a path one-half mile wide and 19 miles long. The storm ripped through Montague County, killing a 97 year-old man near Forestburg and injuring 11 other people. At least 30 houses and two mobile homes were destroyed, numerous barns and other outbuildings were destroyed, telephone and power lines were downed across the eastern half of the county, and an undetermined number of cattle and dairy cows were killed or injured. (M97O)

Within a larger swath of damaging thunderstorms winds in Bowie, subtle evidence of a tornado was discovered. Beginning near the Best Western Hotel near Highway 59 and US 287, the orientation of damage suggested weak convergence. The intensity of the damage also suggested higher wind speeds on the order of 90 to 95 mph. Similar indicators were noted from this area northeast along a mile-long path into the central business district of Bowie, where substantial roof damage and wall damage occurred to single story and multi-story buildings. This damage was suggestive of estimated tornado wind speeds topping out around 95 mph.

An EF-0 tornado formed along the eastern shore of Lake Amon G Carter in far southwestern Montague County. Numerous trees were damaged within the neighborhood surrounding the Bowie Country Club near the lakeshore. A few homes also sustained minor roof damage, and fencing and outbuildings were also damaged. The tornado moved northeast, impacting some horse barns and other outbuildings near FM 1125. After crossing FM 1125, the tornado moved northeast, producing spotty wind damage. A media storm chasing team observed the tornado crossing US 287 near the Wagon Seller Rd Exit. The tornado dissipated just east of this interchange. Maximum estimated winds were 80 mph.