High winds in Texas cause property damage and utilities loss for many

December 23, 2012 Wind storms swept across a large part of Texas on Wednesday, leaving property damaged and many homes without power.

Downed lamposts and trees were reported in multiple locales. One media source reported overturned playground equipment in the city of. Winds up to 40 (mph) were reported over much of the - Metroplex. Approximately 9,500 people within and  counties were without electrical power as late as Thursday afternoon.



Late Wednesday evening, the reported winds at  up to 66 mph. The city of  recorded wind speeds up to 70 mph during the storm; three homes, two barns and two business buildings sustained damage. A home in was damaged when a tree was toppled during the storm (see photo at left).

Dust from as far away as west Texas covered vehicles and other property early Thursday morning in the eastern part of the state. A car wash manager in told media his business cleaned about three hundred cars on Thursday, busier than usual even for holiday season.