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Dozens still without power following Saturday storm

By Scott Harvey

Commerce – A possible tornado brings heavy wind damage and power outages to thousands in Northeast Texas.

Commerce seemed to be hit the hardest by Saturday's storm, with approximately 2,400 residents losing power for several hours, and dozens still in the dark as of Sunday night. Tree trimming crews with Oncor were out Sunday trying to restore power to several blocks of the south side of town, including Melmar and Sterling Hart Streets.

Despite numerous downed limbs and trees, there have been no reported injuries, according to Hunt County Emergency Management Coordinator Richard Hill. Nearly a dozen houses and cars were heavily damaged, according to officials, including one tree along Monroe St. that was completely uprooted, falling on a house.

Saturday's tornado warning was issued just before 4:00 p.m. for portions of Collin, and all of Hunt and Rockwall Counties. The National Weather Service indicated a developing tornado was spotted near Rockwall and moving east at approximately 45 mph. Officials had not yet confirmed a tornado touching down in Hunt County. Initial reports indicate the damage was caused by straight line winds.

Safety is once again the underlying theme following Saturday's storms. Residents are reminded to take the proper precautions necessary for an event, such as by purchasing a weather alert radio, especially for those outside city limits unable to hear the city's outdoor warning sirens.