Full Breakdown
Severe Weather Threat Over Dallas-Fort Worth: Large Hail, Damaging Winds, Isolated Tornadoes
4/29/2026, 4:26:55 AM
Tuesday’s Level 4 Moderate Risk
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Storm Prediction Center issued a Level 4 (out of 5) moderate risk for North Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Forecasts called for giant hail up to 4–5 inches, wind gusts of 60–70 mph, and a low tornado threat as a cold front/dryline moved eastward. A tornado watch (Watch 171) covered 38 counties until 9 p.m. CDT.
Recent Tornadoes and Impacts
The same system produced an EF-2 tornado in Wise County’s Runaway Bay area (130–135 mph winds) and an EF-1 tornado near Springtown in Parker County (105 mph winds) on Saturday night. The Wise County tornado killed 51-year-old Juan Madrid; the Parker County event claimed 69-year-old Kathleen Lietzke. About 20 families were displaced, and Springtown ISD stayed closed.
Hail, Winds, and Tornado Ratings
Observed hail ranged from baseball-size (2–3 in.) to softball-size (4–5 in.) across Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties. Wind gusts reached 70 mph in Hood and Palo Pinto counties and 60 mph in the Metroplex. The EF-2 tornado tracked 1.4 mi in 4 minutes; the EF-1 covered 9.8 mi over 32 minutes. Two fatalities and over ten injuries were confirmed.
Official Statements
The National Weather Service (Fort Worth) warned that “the highest severe weather threat will likely be this afternoon and evening for areas near and east of I-35.” The Storm Prediction Center cited hail as the primary factor for the upgrade. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for Lamar, Parker, and Wise counties, activating state resources. Wise County Judge J.D. Clark urged residents to avoid the zones and submit damage reports via iSTAT.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hail that size can shatter a window,” — Allison Prater, meteorologist, NWS Fort Worth
- “The main concern with the storms today in that area is the potential for very large hail and that’s what drove that upgrade in the risk category,” — Harry Weinman, meteorologist, Storm Prediction Center
- “Texas stands ready to respond to the severe weather threats that continue to move across our state,” — Governor Greg Abbott
- “Our community is feeling the weight of that this morning,” — J.D. Clark, Wise County Judge
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents in Denton reported “golf-ball-sized hail pounding the roof” and “wind that rattled windows.” A Wise County homeowner described “the house shaking, then a loud roar, followed by a wall collapsing.” Emergency crews noted blocked roadways and downed power lines.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial surveys differed on whether Wise County damage stemmed from the EF-2 tornado or straight-line winds; the National Weather Service continues field verification. Full casualty counts and precise damage totals remain pending.
What’s Next: Weekly Outlook
Forecasts call for mid-80s highs Tuesday, cooling to the 70s Wednesday, and scattered showers Thursday-Friday with possible heavier rain. Officials advise keeping multiple alert channels active, securing outdoor objects, and avoiding travel during peak storms.
