Overhead drone photo of Matador, Texas following a direct hit by tornado on June 21, 2023 (photo courtesy of Lubbock Fire & Rescue)
MATADOR, TX – Four are dead this morning in neighboring Motley County after a tornado hit the county on Wednesday evening.
Just after 8:00 pm, a storm moving southeast produced a tornado that hit the west side of Matador, causing significant damage.
Throughout the night, search and rescue operations have been underway. Lubbock Fire Rescue has confirmed four fatalities and nine total injuries.
“Agencies from across the South Plains have assisted with search and rescue efforts,” explains an early morning press release. “These agencies include both police, fire, and EMS. State resources have arrived to Matador to begin post-disaster operations, including damage assessment and final recovery efforts.”
Volunteers from both Floydada and Lockney Fire departments responded to the call for help.
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in Childress also reports that U.S. 62/70 “from Matador to Floydada is impassable, and crews will begin clearing the roadway as soon as possible.”
With power still out in the area, a Cooling Center has been opened at the Motley County Senior Citizen Building (621 Stewart Ave, Matador) to assist residents and volunteers.
