Editing Van, Texas (section)

===May 2015 tornado===
On May 10, 2015, shortly after sunset, Van was struck by a strong [[tornado]] during the [[May 5–10, 2015 tornado outbreak sequence]]. According to the [[National Weather Service]] and tornado chasers, a severe thunderstorm spawned a tornado that touched down in a heavily wooded [[thicket]] just south of Van Zandt County Road 4609, just west of the small community of Primrose, 10 miles south of Van. The tornado path moved in a direct line north, crossing [[Texas State Highway 64]], picking up strength as it crossed the [[Neches River]], and then [[Interstate 20 in Texas|Interstate 20]] just south of the town. The tornado went straight into the heart of Van, causing heavy damage to structures in the town. It destroyed the elementary school in the city that was a historical monument and then moved straight north through residential neighborhoods, destroying homes and causing massive structural damage. The tornado continued in a straight line north towards Grand Saline. The tornado dissipated 3.5 miles north of Van. Numerous homes and mobile homes were damaged or destroyed, and many trees and power lines were downed throughout Van. A nearby metal-frame industrial building was destroyed. A few well-built frame homes in the northern part of town were left with only interior walls standing. An oil pump derrick toppled to the ground, along with a large metal high-tension truss tower. Several barns and outbuildings were destroyed, as well. Two people were killed and 47 were injured, prompting local emergency management officials to declare a [[mass-casualty incident]]. The following day, the tornado was given a rating of [[EF3]] from the National Weather Service office in [[Fort Worth]].