A powerful storm system tore through central Texas late on June 8, 2025, causing extensive damage to KTXS, a Sinclair-owned television station serving the Sweetwater–Abilene area, according to NCS. The station’s broadcast tower was destroyed and its building severely damaged, including a partially collapsed roof. The tower is 1,441 feet HAAT, according to the Inside Towers Database.
The storm struck around 11 p.m. local time with wind gusts exceeding 80 mph. While the National Weather Service has not yet officially confirmed it as a tornado, the destruction suggests intense tornadic activity.
Photos shared by KTXS show the steel tower twisted and mangled—its base intact but buckling dramatically at the roofline, with segments crashing onto and across the building. Aerial footage captured HVAC equipment resting amid debris and a large section of the roof peeled away, exposing parts of the studio, including the weather center and news set.
KTXS was broadcasting live weather coverage when the storm hit. Chief Meteorologist Mark Rowlett and forecaster Caiden Dinkins were inside the Storm Alert Weather Center providing updates. As the winds tore off the roof directly above them, both attempted to take shelter in the studio.
Despite the destruction, the station continues working to keep viewers informed, showcasing the team’s dedication amid disaster, NCS reported.
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