On Saturday morning, a severe storm swept through Ennis, Texas, leaving behind a trail of destruction at the Days Inn, where 20 guests were staying. The storm, which had been brewing overnight, intensified rapidly, wreaking havoc across the town. As the rain poured down and winds howled, the unrelenting storm caused the roof of the hotel to be ripped off, sending debris flying and terrifying those inside.
CBS News Texas photographer Ulysses Romero was on the scene, capturing the devastation as it unfolded. His images showed the extent of the damage, with large sections of the roof torn away and scattered across the parking lot. The hotel’s exterior was left exposed to the elements, with rainwater pouring into the rooms where guests had sought refuge from the storm.
According to reports, emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, ensuring that all guests were safely evacuated from the building. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though several individuals sustained minor injuries from flying debris and falling rubble. Romero, who was already in Ennis to cover the storm’s impact on the region, rushed to the hotel to document the aftermath and capture the heroic efforts of the first responders and hotel staff as they worked to assist the displaced guests.
Romero’s photographs highlighted the sense of chaos and urgency that surrounded the scene. One image showed a firefighter helping an elderly guest out of the hotel, shielding her from the rain. In another shot, emergency workers were seen securing the perimeter of the hotel, while guests huddled together in the parking lot, some wrapped in blankets for warmth. Romero’s ability to capture such moments revealed the human side of the disaster, giving viewers a sense of the courage and compassion that emerged in the face of destruction.
In the hours that followed the storm’s passage, local authorities worked tirelessly to assess the damage and begin the process of cleanup and recovery. While the physical destruction of the hotel was significant, the community’s response was equally powerful. Residents and business owners from around Ennis came together to offer assistance, donating food, supplies, and temporary shelter for the displaced guests.
The incident was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the devastating impact it can have on small towns. Ennis, located just 35 miles south of Dallas, had not seen a storm of this magnitude in years. Meteorologists warned that more storms could be on the horizon, and officials urged residents to remain vigilant.
For Romero, the experience was both humbling and inspiring. “It’s one thing to capture the devastation, but it’s another to witness the resilience of a community coming together in such a challenging moment,” he said. “The people of Ennis really showed what it means to stand together in times of crisis.”
In the days following the storm, recovery efforts continued. The Days Inn building would require extensive repairs before it could reopen its doors, but the resilience of the community and the compassion of first responders left an indelible mark on the hearts of the displaced guests and residents alike. As Ennis began the long road to recovery, one thing was clear: the storm might have torn apart the roof of the hotel, but it could never tear apart the spirit of the people who called this town home.
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