Nineteen years have passed since that awful day. Twenty-seven lives were lost, and a community changed forever. Today, the community of Jarrell hasn't forgotten the tornado that struck on the afternoon of May 27, 1997, but with time, the community has healed.
What was ground zero west of town 19 years ago, is now a peaceful place overlooking the countryside. Homes have been rebuilt, trees have been replanted, and life has gone on.
The F-5 tornado was three-quarters of a mile wide at its peak and packed winds of 261 to 318 mph. It destroyed everything in its path. Homes, livestock, families were all gone in a matter of minutes.
Even as the years pass, those who lost their lives on May 27 continue to be remembered. On the piece of land where so much was lost sits a Memorial Park. It was built and dedicated to the 27 family members and friends the tight knit community lost. It's complete with a baseball field, community center with underground storm shelters, and a playground. The complex sits on what was the home and property of the Igo family. All five members died in the disaster. One family, of a community of 400, gone in a blink of an eye -- Larry and Joan, their twin boys John and Paul, and daughter Audrey.
Nineteen years have passed since that awful day -- a day the community of Jarrell will always remember, but not because of the disaster itself, but as a tribute to the friends and loved ones lost on that May afternoon.
The video above is the raw/unedited video shot on the afternoon of May 27th, 1997 as the tornado moved into Jarrell, by KVUE Photojournalist Scott Guest.