Full Breakdown
Tornado Confirmation and Widespread Damage in Mineral Wells, Texas
4/29/2026, 11:37:49 PM
Storm Overview and Confirmed Tornado
A tornado was confirmed at 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, along Highway 180 about three miles east of Mineral Wells, Texas. The National Weather Service verified the vortex after viewers reported severe structural damage near the Country Club Estates community and the National Vietnam War Museum. The storm ripped roofs, destroyed structures, and downed power lines on East Hubbard Street.
Regional Severe Weather Context
The Mineral Wells event occurred amid a broader severe-weather outbreak across North Texas and the Southern Plains. The Storm Prediction Center had issued a tornado watch from North Texas to West Tennessee and forecast “giant” hail the size of softballs for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Meteorologists warned that supercell thunderstorms could produce damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes.
Key Officials and Agencies
- Police Chief Tim Denison, Mineral Wells Police Department
- Fire Chief Ryan Dunn, Mineral Wells Fire
- Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District No. 1
- National Weather Service, Fort Worth office
- American Red Cross
Timeline
- Early afternoon: thunderstorms move into the Metroplex.
- 5:00 p.m.: hail and strong winds reported.
- 5:10 p.m.: tornado confirmed near Highway 180.
- 5:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.: emergency crews respond; two people transported to Palo Pinto General Hospital.
- 10:00 p.m.: city issues curfew, opens high school cafeteria as shelter; Red Cross staff deployed.
Damage and Injuries: Data Overview
- At least two non-critical injuries were reported; no fatalities or missing persons.
- Structural damage reported in the industrial park, Country Club Estates, Lake Mineral Wells State Park, and residential neighborhoods; some homes lost second stories.
- Power outages affected multiple homes and businesses.
Official Statements & Responses
City officials declared a disaster in Palo Pinto and Parker counties, imposed a 10 p.m. curfew, and urged residents to avoid travel in the northeast sector. The high school cafeteria and Red Cross were designated as emergency shelters. Police and fire departments continued damage assessments throughout the night.
On-the-Ground Reports
Viewer-submitted photos showed the Butler Ventamatic building destroyed, an RV park heavily damaged, and baseball-sized hail. Residents described roofs torn from houses and tree limbs snapped in half.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Fox 4 and the city confirmed a tornado, while WFAA and CBS noted that ground confirmation remained uncertain. Injury counts vary, with some outlets citing “at least two” injuries and others withholding exact numbers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re going to get through this,” — Tim Denison, Police Chief, Mineral Wells
- “We’re going to be there for them.” — Tim Denison, Police Chief, Mineral Wells
- “Hail that size can shatter a window,” — Allison Prater, Meteorologist, National Weather Service 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
What’s Next
County judges declared disasters, enabling state aid. The curfew remains in effect until sunrise, and first responders will continue to assess structural damage. Forecast models predict cooler temperatures and additional rain later in the week, reducing the immediate tornado threat.
