Full Breakdown
North Texas Severe Storms Spawn Tornado Watch, Fatalities, and Widespread Outages
4/26/2026, 12:34:24 PM
Saturday Night Storm Surge and Tornado Watch
A line of severe thunderstorms moved across North Texas Saturday evening, prompting a tornado watch that covered more than 20 counties, including Wise, Tarrant, Dallas, and Collin. At approximately 9 p.m., a possible tornado touched down in Runaway Bay, a community on the south side of Lake Bridgeport. Local officials confirmed one death, multiple injuries, and the displacement of at least 20 families. The same system produced golf-ball-size hail, wind gusts up to 60 mph, and extensive power outages.
Forecast and Atmospheric Conditions
Meteorologists warned that a weak atmospheric cap could break, allowing storms to intensify after sunset. Forecasts highlighted a high risk of large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, especially north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The tornado watch, issued before 5 p.m., remained in effect until early Sunday morning for the affected counties.
Damage and Outage Statistics
Power loss affected roughly 40,000 North Texans, with Oncor reporting 24,904 outages in Tarrant County alone and more than 20,000 customers without electricity across its service area by midnight. Tri-County Electric Cooperative added nearly 13,000 outages. Hail reached baseball size in Wise County, and wind gusts peaked at 60 mph. Emergency crews recorded six hospitalizations and numerous injuries in Runaway Bay and nearby Springtown.
Response by County Officials and Emergency Agencies
Wise County Judge J.D. Clark mobilized EMS, fire units, and mutual-aid partners, establishing a reunification center at 513 Port O’ Call Drive. The Shell gas station was designated a temporary command post, and the American Red Cross set up shelter assistance. Springtown officials urged residents to avoid the area and asked the public to “exercise patience with responding crews” while road clearance continued.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents reported downed power lines, scattered debris, and a funnel illuminated by lightning near Runaway Bay. Video and photos captured overturned vehicles, collapsed structures, and blocked roadways that hampered access to damaged homes.
Conflicting Reports on Tornado Confirmation
While the National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for Wise and Parker counties, some outlets described the event as a “possible tornado” pending a post-storm survey. Confirmation of an EF rating remains pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The storm caused significant structural damage across multiple neighborhoods, resulting in at least 20 families displaced, numerous injuries, and one confirmed fatality,” — J.D. Clark, Wise County Judge
- “All county ambulances are committed to the incident, and additional EMS and fire resources from surrounding jurisdictions are en route or already operating in the area,” — J.D. Clark
- “The Shell gas station in Runaway Bay has been designated as a temporary command post because it has electricity and convenient access for first responders, officials wrote on the city’s Facebook page.” — J.D. Clark
- “A Reunification Center has been established at: 513 Port O' Call Drive, Runaway Bay,” — J.D. Clark
What’s Next
The NWS will issue a tornado damage survey Sunday, while utility crews aim to restore power to all customers early next week. Forecasts keep the Central Plains under elevated severe-weather risk through Monday.
