2012-5 Remembrances Special EditionCity of Schertz – Remembrances Publication Special Edition 2012-5 Presented by: Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Spring Tornadoes – Schertz Remembers
Its been an active storm season in the Midwest United States this spring. Texas has not been spared. Dallas and Forney, Texas were struck by tornadoes on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. The Midwest is of course known for its sometimes violent winds and tornadoes this time of year. News of the March and April weather events once again reminds South Central Texans how fortunate we are not to be regularly subject to such wild weather patterns. But few may realize that our city is not exempt from being victimized by
tornado-like weather. Historically, tornadic events in our area have been few and far between. However, just last month following the Midwest tornadic experience, twisters swept through the town of Devine, Texas just south of San Antonio and on that same evening a weather cell with potential tornatic activity
was spotted moving in the direction of Schertz from the South. Fortunately, that cell broke up before an actual tornado formed. Otherwise, Schertz could have been in the direct line of travel for a tornado moving through our community.
Discussion with folks who can remember back to the day Schertz had its last tornado strike reveals that the year was 1950 or 1951 and the path of the tornado strike was just about where Schertz Parkway and Curtiss Street meet. At the time, a small dairy barn sat on the property where now sits the family home of James and Connie Silvers. The property around the barn was shaded by lovely young Mesquite trees.
When the storm struck the roof of the barn was a quickly taken off. The few neighboring houses along Curtiss Street experienced minor damage only. One home was unoccupied and doors were locked before the storm struck. After the tornado passed, that home was found to have its front door open but no physical damage occurred. However, the young mesquite trees at the dairy were not so lucky. The force of the tornado had twisted the tree trunks to such a degree that they would forever show the effects of the storm. Today, those Mesquites sit on the property as reminders of the day Schertz was struck by a
tornado and their surfaces show the scars of what damage the forces of nature can inflict.
Damaged Mesquite trees on the corner lot at Curtiss St. & Schertz Parkway