Communities assess damage after severe storms rip through ArkLaTex; 2 deaths confirmed

(KSLA) - After reported tornadoes and severe storms moved across the ArkLaTex on Friday, Nov. 4, communities are left to clean up the damage left behind.

Bowie County Sheriff’s Office reporting:

• Several large trees have fallen over on I-30 E near the 200 mile marker. One lane is now open.
• Person reportedly trapped in a home in New Boston
• Homes and businesses reporting damage along Highway 1840 & 98, southwest of New Boston
• No serious injuries reported

“You could hear things start to hit the house and our ears popped, and I told them to cover their heads up. And we prayed out loud for God to protect us and it seemed like a long time for it to pass over us. It was very loud you could feel the house when it lifted,” said resident Misty Roberts.

Hughes Springs Police Department in Cass County reporting:

• Several trees down across the county
• Fire trucks trapped at the station due to damage
• Ongoing fire in the area

McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office reporting:

• American Red Cross confirms one fatality
• 185 structures damaged according to American Red Cross
• Reports of downed trees and power lines
• Some areas are reporting loss of power
• Emergency crews checking on people door-to-door
• Shelter located at Bypass Church of Christ (120 W Lincoln Road in Idabel)

“I will be declaring a Declaration of Emergency for these four counties. We are just praying and glad it wasn’t worse and we can rebuild some of these homes. We are hearing of only one fatality, a 90-year-old man,” said Governor Kevin Stitt.

Lamar County Sheriff’s Office reporting:

• Approximatley 50 homes damaged or destroyed
• 10 people injured (2 critical, but stable)
• No fatalities at this time
• Red Cross shelter set up at Lamar Avenue Church of Christ in Paris, Texas

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard my dad weep or get choked up, but when he called me he said, ‘It’s gone. It’s all gone,’ You could hear it in his voice that he was emotional. We’re just lucky that nobody got injured. Things can get replaced, people can’t,” said Coyden Harmon.

Morris County Judge Doug Reeder reporting:

• Judge Reeder confirms one fatality
• Several homes damaged around FM-144, SH-11 and County Road 1225
• Reports of downed trees and power lines north of SH-49 passing over County Roads 3109, 3201, 3203, 3204, 3207, 3209 and 3211

If you have any photos or videos of storms & damage, please submit them here.

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