Full Breakdown
Severe Storms and Possible Tornado Strike North Texas, Leaving One Dead and Thousands Without Power
4/26/2026, 12:39:11 PM
Night-time Severe Storms Sweep North Texas
On the night of April 24-25, 2026, a severe thunderstorm complex moved across North Texas, producing baseball-size hail, wind gusts of 60-70 mph, and a possible tornado that touched down near Runaway Bay. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for 31 counties, lasting until 5 a.m. Sunday, and a tornado warning for Wise County at the time of the damage.
Forecast and Alerts
Meteorologists warned that a weak atmospheric cap could allow storms to intensify after sunset, especially north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. A tornado watch covering Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Henderson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise counties was active. Forecasts also highlighted the threat of 2.5-inch hail and isolated tornadoes near the I-30 corridor.
Impact Summary
One death was confirmed in Runaway Bay; Parker County officials also reported a death near Springtown, creating a discrepancy in the fatality count. At least six people were hospitalized and numerous others sustained injuries. Roughly 20 families were displaced after homes were destroyed or heavily damaged. Power outages affected about 40,000 customers, with 24,904 outages in Tarrant County, 2,000 in Wise County, and 1,500 in Parker County; Tri-County Electric reported nearly 13,000 additional outages. Golf-ball-size hail and wind gusts of 60-70 mph were recorded across the region.
Emergency Response
Wise County Judge J.D. Clark coordinated search-and-rescue, deploying county ambulances and requesting mutual-aid resources. The American Red Cross opened a reunification center at 513 Port O’ Call Drive, while the Shell gas station served as a temporary command post. Local fire departments, law-enforcement, and Wise County EMS responded to trapped residents and structural damage. Officials urged the public to avoid Runaway Bay to allow safe operations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the fatality total, with some citing only the Runaway Bay death and others noting an additional death in Parker County. The tornado’s intensity remains unverified; the National Weather Service has not assigned an EF rating. Some reports indicate the Wise County tornado warning was canceled before its scheduled expiration.
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, Wise County Judge
- “Please exercise patience with responding crews,” — Springtown officials
- “Authorities are strongly urging people to avoid the Runaway Bay area for the safety of the public and first responders.” — County officials
- “A Reunification Center has been established at: 513 Port O' Call Drive, Runaway Bay,” — J.D. Clark, Wise County Judge
Outlook
The tornado watch remains in effect until early Sunday, and forecasters expect another severe-storm day on Tuesday with similar hail, wind and tornado threats. Utility crews continue restoring power while emergency agencies assess damage.
