Tornadoes in Texas, November 15, 2001

This F1 tornado formed immediately after a previous F1 tornado that had been observed by a Department of Public Safety Trooper along I-35 between mile markers 215 and 217 from 2.5 miles north of Kyle to 5 miles northeast of Kyle. The two tornadoes continued together for several minutes, causing extensive tree damage along the frontage road with tops of trees sheared off. Large oak tree branches 5 to 8 inches round were twisted and scattered across the area. Numerous road signs bent over and twisted at the base along with uprooted trees. Some downed trees were pointing south, others were pointing north. The same held true with the bent over highway signs. Power line poles were snapped. They damaged the truck stop at exit #217 sustained extensive damage to the awnings and roof. Several 18-wheelers were knocked over the by tornadoes. A hotel under construction also was damaged along with a restaurant across I-35 from the GAS station. The Hays County Independent School District Headquarters building was also damaged. In all, over 100 homes were damaged by the tornadoes and two were destroyed. Almost 20 businesses suffered damage. Repair costs to area roads and bridges were estimated at near 1/2 million dollars.

This first F1 tornado was observed by a Department of Public Safety Trooper as it formed some 2.5 miles north of Kyle. It moved across I-35 between mile markers 215 and 217 to 5 miles northeast of Kyle. The trooper also reported a second tornado that formed in the same vicinity as the first and moved alongside the first for several minutes. The two tornadoes caused extensive tree damage along the frontage road with tops of trees sheared off. Large oak tree branches 5 to 8 inches round were twisted and scattered across the area. Numerous road signs bent over and twisted at the base along with uprooted trees. Some downed trees were pointing south, others were pointing north. The same held true with the bent over highway signs. Power line poles were snapped. They damaged the truck stop at exit #217 sustained extensive damage to the awnings and roof. Several 18-wheelers were knocked over the by tornadoes. A hotel under construction also was damaged along with a restaurant across I-35 from the GAS station. The Hays County Independent School District Headquarters building was also damaged. In all, over 100 homes were damaged by the tornadoes and two were destroyed. Almost 20 businesses suffered damage. Repair costs to area roads and bridges were estimated at near 1/2 million dollars.