
Powerful storms with straight-line winds reaching up to 90 mph swept through Ellis County on Saturday, leaving widespread damage and a grieving community in their wake.
In Ennis, the Days Inn along Interstate 45 suffered significant damage, with the roof peeled off and debris strewn across the parking lot. Remarkably, the nearby Arby’s restaurant remained virtually untouched, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the storm's path.
Tragedy also struck the Texas Motorplex racing community as track worker TJ Bailey lost his life when his RV was overturned by the powerful winds. Bailey’s friend, Seth Fox, remembered him fondly.
"I mean, he was just an incredibly stand-up guy and we don't have a whole lot of those to spare," Fox said.
In response to the loss, the Texas Motorplex is organizing a fundraiser to support Bailey’s family during this difficult time.
Authorities continue to assess the damage throughout the county as residents begin the long process of recovery.
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