SPRING, TX – Daniel Thompson, a USPS mail carrier, described a frightening encounter with a tornado while delivering packages on Abby Lane near Northbridge, recounting how he briefly fled the storm before returning to finish his route and continuing to deliver mail.
According to Thompson, he had just stepped out of his truck to move packages from the back to the front when the sky suddenly darkened and strong winds began to pick up. Within about 15 seconds, he said he saw the wind twirling around him and decided to get back in his truck to leave the area.
He drove down Abby Lane, then turned onto Northbridge and Champion Forest, stating he was trying to avoid the tornado as it appeared to get closer. Once on Champion Forest, he realized it was no longer behind him and waited at a gas station for about ten minutes until conditions improved.
When he returned, he saw damage throughout the neighborhood, including vehicles and roofs torn from homes. Despite the destruction, he said he completed overtime on another route and later returned at night to finish delivering mail.
Thompson estimated the wind circulation at roughly 30 to 40 feet wide, though trees on both sides of the street made it difficult to determine an exact size. He described the experience as “pretty traumatizing” and said he spent two hours notifying others that he was safe.
He said he is grateful most people appear to be okay and hopes anyone injured recovers soon.
Below is just some of the damage caused by the storm in the area.
