A quick-hitting EF-0 tornado spun through parts of Giddings in Lee County on Thursday, clipping the northern side of town, snapping trees, dinging outbuildings, and tossing debris before it fizzled out. Officials reported no major injuries, and by early afternoon, crews were busy clearing roads and checking on damage.
The NWS assessment
According to FOX 7 Austin, the National Weather Service said the tornado formed about six miles southwest of Giddings near CR 208 and FM 2239 at about 10:55 a.m., then tracked northeast into town. The assessment estimated the twister traveled roughly eight miles with winds near 70 mph and noted damage to power lines, tree limbs, and tin outbuildings and roofs.
Local response and damage
Per KBTX, the Lee County Office of Emergency Management said peak winds were in the 60 to 70 mph range and that most of the damage was to trees, farm outbuildings, and small structures. The Lee County Sheriff's Office was flying drones to conduct an initial damage assessment, and officials asked drivers to avoid debris-strewn areas such as around N. Burleson and N. Main streets.
Schools and power restored
Giddings Intermediate School, Giddings Middle School, and Giddings High were briefly without power in the northern part of town, but power was restored, and classes resumed as scheduled, FOX 7 Austin reported. Utility crews remained on scene into the afternoon to make repairs and clear downed lines.
Safety reminders
Officials told KBTX that residents should steer clear of downed power lines and report hazards to 911 while crews finish damage checks. Motorists were urged to use extra caution and to follow directions from first responders in affected neighborhoods.
Context: Central Texas tornado risk
As outlined by the National Weather Service, Central Texas regularly sees short-lived tornadoes during the spring, and past surveys have documented twisters near Giddings during earlier outbreaks. That history underscores why officials and utilities move quickly to assess damage and restore services after even a relatively weak EF-0 touchdown.
Local officials are expected to release more detailed storm-survey findings if further damage is identified. This report will be updated as new information comes in from the National Weather Service and county authorities.
