North Texas — Severe storms tore through parts of North Texas late Saturday, leaving at least two people dead, multiple others injured, and dozens of families displaced as powerful tornadoes and destructive winds caused widespread devastation across Wise and Parker counties.
According to local officials, the storms rapidly intensified during the evening hours, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and hail that damaged homes, uprooted trees, and knocked down power lines. Emergency crews responded to multiple distress calls as neighborhoods were left in chaos.
What Happened
In Wise County, officials confirmed that one person lost their life after a powerful storm system struck the Runaway Bay area. County Judge J.D. Clark reported that at least 20 families were displaced as homes suffered severe structural damage. Several residents were also injured, with emergency services stretched thin due to the scale of the disaster.
Meanwhile, in Parker County, another fatality was reported south of Springtown. Authorities said a 69-year-old woman was found dead inside a heavily damaged mobile home after a family member discovered her in the debris and called 911. Emergency responders arrived quickly but confirmed she had died at the scene.
Tornadoes Confirmed
The National Weather Service later confirmed that an EF-2 tornado struck the Runaway Bay area, producing winds of up to 135 mph. In Parker County, an EF-1 tornado with winds reaching 105 mph was also confirmed near Springtown.
These powerful wind systems are capable of tearing roofs off homes, flipping vehicles, and causing widespread destruction within minutes — which is exactly what residents experienced.
Residents Describe the Horror
Springtown resident Stephanie Bryan described the terrifying moments as the storm hit her home.
She said parts of her property, including a carport, shed roof, and chicken coop, were destroyed. Large trees were uprooted, and debris was scattered everywhere. As the storm intensified, she and her pets took shelter inside.
Bryan explained that the house began shaking violently as strong winds passed through, with power outages and heavy rainfall making the situation even more frightening. With no interior safe space in her mobile home, she stayed in the hallway, hoping the structure would hold.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
Officials reported that roads across affected areas were blocked due to fallen trees, debris, and downed utility lines, making it difficult for emergency crews to reach victims quickly. In Wise County, all available ambulances were deployed as responders worked to assist the injured and search damaged properties.
Vehicles were reportedly tossed by strong winds, and several homes lost roofs or suffered major structural damage. Emergency teams coordinated closely to manage rescue operations and restore access routes.
A lightning strike also hit a gas storage tank in Springtown during the storm. City officials later confirmed that the incident was contained and did not pose an ongoing threat.
Community Response and Recovery Efforts
Local authorities quickly established a unified command system involving law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management teams to streamline rescue and recovery operations.
Support also came from organizations like the American Red Cross and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, which are assisting displaced families with shelter and relief resources.
A temporary reunification center was set up in Runaway Bay to help families locate loved ones and access support services, though it has since been closed as initial emergency efforts stabilized.
Officials have urged residents to avoid heavily impacted areas to allow emergency crews to continue their work without obstruction.
Ongoing Situation
Authorities confirmed that at least six people were injured in addition to the fatalities, though the exact number could change as damage assessments continue. Officials also emphasized that the situation remains fluid, with more updates expected as response teams gather further information.
Residents and property owners have been encouraged to report damage to state emergency agencies to support recovery planning and assistance efforts.
As North Texas begins the process of recovery, local leaders highlighted the resilience of the community, with neighbors helping each other in the aftermath of the storm.
