Cleanup in Pilot Point underway, 3 minor injuries reported in storm

The community of Pilot Point in Denton County is facing cleanup efforts following severe storms that swept through late Saturday night.

City officials report that the primary damage resulted from fallen trees, although it remains unclear whether a tornado touched down or if straight-line winds caused the destruction.

The fire department responded to three minor injuries, including two individuals injured at the marina and a tree that fell on a house.

Andrew Blikken, along with his wife Lisa, 10-year-old son, and mother, sought shelter in their barndominium during the storm.

“We retreated to the pantry,” he recounted. “After six or eight minutes of terror, it was silent, and we went outside. The clouds had cleared, and it was a beautiful night.”

Numerous oak trees were uprooted or snapped in half by the strong winds.

The family is currently without water due to damage to their well shed and wellhead.

“Our well shed and our wellhead are both completely gone,” Andrew stated. “No water on the property until that gets replaced.”

While no homes were destroyed, many sustained roof damage, and around 1,200 Texas and New Mexico Power customers experienced power outages. As of Monday morning, only three outages remain.

Pilot Point City Hall, initially closed for Memorial Day, opened its doors to volunteers and those affected by the storm.

Mayor Elisa Beasley expressed gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized the importance of prayer during times of crisis.

“I can’t say enough about the power of prayer and the power of community,” she remarked. “It’s a miracle that we didn’t sustain as much damage. We didn’t have any casualties, and we’re praying for Valley View and other impacted communities.”

Donations left at City Hall are being transported to Valley View, where the need is more significant.

Cleanup volunteers are needed, with coordination through Disaster Aid USA at Pilot Point City Hall on Tuesday at 8 a.m. Volunteers must be 16 years or older and are advised to bring chainsaws, trucks, gloves, and sturdy shoes.

Additionally, the United Way of Denton County has established a donation site to assist tornado victims in Denton County.