Recovery efforts begin for residents after EF-3 tornado strikes Jefferson County

PORT ARTHUR, Texas — A massive EF-3 tornado with winds reaching 160 mph tore through Jefferson County Saturday, leaving a path of destruction at least half a mile wide and hundreds without power. 

The National Weather Service confirmed the high-end EF-3 tornado that slammed through parts of Jefferson County, devastating Pleasure Island RV Park and destroying the Sabine Ranch Lodge in the Hamshire area.

The storm system began in Brazoria County, roughly 130 miles southwest of Port Arthur.

At Pleasure Island RV Park, residents found themselves trapped as the tornado approached. 

“It hailed a little bit, and it got worse and worse and we couldn’t get out of the camper,” said Timmy Creel, a Pleasure Island RV Park resident.

Creel described the terrifying moments as the tornado hit. He was shocked to see the destruction left behind.

“It moved it a little bit and turned it up a little bit on its side,” he said. “When the wind kind of died down I seen a camper upside down.”

Six RVs, each weighing 6,000 pounds, were flipped on their sides. Creel helped rescue an elderly man trapped inside one of the overturned vehicles.

Port Arthur Fire Battalion Chief Jay Fountain led rescue efforts at the scene.

“We found one that was in the water,” Fountain said. “We had one of our divers actually go inside the RV unit and cleared it and make sure there is nobody inside.”

Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bartie says the damage at the RV park is devastating. 

“Two were I think basically totally destroyed,” he said. “Four others, I think they could be probably repaired and livable again.”

The tornado knocked out power to 800 residents initially, with that number dropping to 200 by Sunday. 

The city is working with Entergy to restore power by 10 p.m. and has partnered with the Red Cross to assist displaced residents.

“First, we’re going to have access on the city’s webpage, probably beginning tomorrow,” Bartie said. “I would say sure, by noon it should be up, maybe even before then, but a method that you can go in and report the damages.”

Despite the destruction, Bartie expressed gratitude as recovery efforts continue.

“Through all of this, we’re mighty thankful because we had no loss of life.”

City officials encourage residents to report property damage through the city’s website starting Monday. 

The city has not yet applied for federal disaster recovery funding.