Town Of Franklin, Texas, 'Like War Zone' After Tornado (UPDATED)

AUSTIN, TEXAS — More than a dozen people were injured after a tornado ripped through the Texas town of Franklin near College Station, Texas, Saturday morning.

The small city in Robertson County with a population of around 2,000 residents was hit hard by a tornado-forming line of thunderstorms that pounded much of the region late morning. Accuweather described a "large and devastating tornado" that struck the town at around 11:30 a.m., causing significant damage that included the destruction of some 20 homes.

"The south side of Franklin looks like a war zone," Robertson County Sheriff Gerald Yezak told Patch in a telephone interview once the powerful storm had passed. He said two people were transported to the local emergency room, and another dozen "walking wounded" were treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.

The sheriff added that toll of injuries could be higher, as he heard reports of several people being transported to hospital by private means. Still, Yezak expressed relief no fatalities resulted from the damaging tornado. He added he's a lifelong resident of Robertson County and has never seen such devastation there.

WeatherNation recorded the tornado's ominous approach from a distance before it tore through the town, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake:

Residents unable to access their home were directed to temporary lodging at the First Baptist Church. Resident attempting to reach their homes who see downed power lines are urged to call the sheriff's office at 979-828-3299, and provide officials details on their location.

Weather officials said one mobile home with an occupant inside war ripped from the ground while multiple homes collapsed and cars were damaged as the tornado swept across the landscape.

KBTX reported a curfew was put in place from 8 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. on Sunday. By evening, officials said more than 20 homes were destroyed and several residents had to be rescued from rubble that was once their homes:

WeatherNation crews surveyed the damage in the tornado's wake:

Search and rescue crews were at the scene assessing the damage and giving aid to the wounded, Accuweather reported. One storm chaser reported rescuers were having a tough time reaching affected areas given downed power lines and tree limbs strewn across roadways.

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Weather authority Greg Postel estimated winds from the tornado touching down in Franklin exceeded 100 miles per hour.

Residents of the small town posted photos of the damage on social media in the tornado's aftermath:

A wide swatch of Texas bore the brunt of the storms, including San Antonio where hail as large as three inches in diameter were reported on Saturday morning. Similarly sized hail was reported falling in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, according to Accuweather.

Dallas air travel has been delayed as a result of the inclement weather. The FAA reported that delays for arriving flights at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport were averaging two hours. Accuweather added that flights headed to Dallas Love Field airport weren't allowed to depart before 11 a.m. given severe weather.

This is a developing story. Patch will update as more details are known.

The city of Franklin is the county seat of Robertson County, and is centrally located among the Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio metroplex areas.