E-F 2 tornado damages homes in Lindale just north of Tyler

Lindale, Texas - The National Weather Service confirms an E-F 2 tornado touched down in Lindale just north of Tyler in East Texas.

The twister caused major damage to a handful of homes, while 35-40 houses sustained less serious damage, according to Lindale Fire Chief Jerry Garner.

Lindale resident Benjamin Stuart had just laid down for a Saturday afternoon nap when he suddenly heard a loud noise outside.

"The house started coming apart and I tried to take shelter in the hall bathroom, but I wasn't sure what was going to happen," said Stuart.

His house had broken windows, the roof was torn apart and water damaged the inside of his home.  Gusts up to 120 miles per hour also ripped apart his fence and destroyed his workshop. He watched helplessly as his neighbor's home also took a hit.

"The short amount of time that I watched it, her house started to come apart, and most of it ended up in our backyard," said Stuart.

Ashley Ford was at a Christmas party with family when she got the call from neighbors. She says her home was spared in the nearly two mile path of the tornado, but barely.

"We were just shocked to see all the damage and all our friends and neighbors. I think it hit starting at the house beside us," said Ford.

Stuart says the severe weather damage is especially tough right before the holidays. But he says he's grateful no one was hurt.