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The Arlington Fire Department, Arlington Police Department, and Arlington EMS are currently evaluating several buildings that have sustained damage from a likely tornado during tonight’s severe thunderstorm.

At around 8:55PM, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over the central Arlington area, east of Pantego and Dalworthington Gardens. A Tornado Warning was issued and sirens sounded. After the storm had passed, there was major damage left in its wake.

A drive-thru awning at the Burger Box on South Cooper Street at Secretary Drive collapsed onto two vehicles. Both drivers were able to get out of the vehicle after the collapse. Arlington FD’s Technical Rescue Team responded to the scene for structural integrity issues. Across the street from Burger Box, a SafeLite Auto Glass repair facility sustained major damage with all doors blown in. There was substantial damage behind the building as well, possibly from a nearby commercial building’s roof.

Along Ashbury Drive near California Lane, a large tree fell onto a single family home. The family was able to get out OK. Other residents in the immediate area were left without power. Some had their windows blown in and trees down, but escaped uninjured.

Several large windows were blown out at the strip center along Arkansas Lane and Center Street. A nearby apartment complex sustained significant damage to the roof.

There are tree limbs, trees, and power lines down across the area. The immediate impact zone, located along California Lane to Cooper Street and north to Pioneer Parkway, is still without power.

Amazingly, the Arlington Fire Department reports only three people were injured. None of the injuries are serious. Only one person was transported to the hospital.

Expect heavy police activity in the area throughout the night and into tomorrow.