Midlothian man dead, others injured from severe storms this past weekend

ELLIS COUNTY – The storm that rolled through the west side of Maypearl and continued along a central route toward the east side of Ellis County early Saturday morning left Midlothian resident T.J. Bailey, 42, dead and others injured according to county officials.

Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman said by late Saturday morning his department was “still working (on storm damage). 

“We worked the RV park in Maypearl where RV’s were flipped over and folks trapped” and he added his department was also assisting DPS with the flipped 18 wheelers on I-35.

Deputies had accessed not only multiple reports of overturned RVs and semi-trucks but also downed trees and powerlines as well as injuries sustained by residents due to damage to their homes.

The Sheriff’s Department reported four people had been transported to nearby hospitals – the extent of their injuries was unknown. 

Ellis County Commissioner, Pct. 3, Louis Ponder, reported significant damage.

He also pointed out the bank in Maypearl had heavy damage, as well as barns (including his own).

Some residents believe the early morning storm also included a tornado. It was reported the sky had turned an eerie green as the golf ball size onslaught of hail hit areas like Maypearl, Palmer, Ennis and Waxahachie.

Waxahachie Fire Rescue reported at least five downed power lines.

Ellis County Emergency District 6 reported an “overturned house in the 2500 Blk FM 878.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed six overturned 18 wheelers on southbound IH 35, and one on northbound in the area of milepost 397 in Ellis County.

For those who sustained damage, the Texas Department of Emergency Management has implemented the iSTAT Damage Survey Reporting system to assess the impact of the storm.