City Officials Urge Residents to Stay Home As First Responders Assess Tornado Damage in Temple, Texas

Over 30 residents were injured after a tornado touched down in Temple, Texas on Wednesday, May 22. City officials are urging residents to stay home as first responders are on the ground assessing damage.

The City of Temple hosted a press conference on Thursday, May 23, to update the public on the status of relief efforts.

The latest reports indicate between 100-200 structures were damaged in the tornado, with the most damage in the areas of West Temple and South Temple, where many trees and power lines are down.

Temple Police Chief Shawn Reynolds noted the areas of Lakepoint and Lakepoint Terrace sustained the heaviest damage in the tornado and that first responders have restricted access to these areas.

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Reynolds urged residents to stay home unless travel is an absolute necessity, noting that traffic delays are causing slowed response to damaged areas.

"Please stay off the road," Reynolds said. "You're delaying response times."

Reynolds also asked drivers to use extreme caution when driving.

"Do not drive around barricades, cones, or police vehicles," he said.

Temple Mayor Tim Davis reiterated the importance of staying home as crews are on the scene of tornado damage throughout the city.

"The last thing [our first responders] need is someone in the way," Davis said.

Davis expressed his gratitude for the swift response of residents and city officials and said that the City was thankful that no fatalities were reported.

"We have the assets in place. We have the people in place," Davis said. "We're a resilient community and we'll pull through."

Crews from the National Weather Service in Fort Worth are currently surveying the damage and will provide updates to the public when available.

The City of Temple has opened a shelter with the American Red Cross at the Wilson Recreation Center for those in need. Volunteers who wish to assist with recovery efforts are asked to call (254) 298-5999.