RUNAWAY BAY, TX — A night of terror has left North Texas reeling after a series of powerful tornadoes tore through Wise and Parker Counties late Saturday night. Local authorities have confirmed at least two fatalities and a trail of destruction that has left dozens of families without homes and thousands without power.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed on Sunday that a potentially “large and extremely dangerous” tornado struck the area during a slow-moving supercell thunderstorm, causing catastrophic damage to several rural communities northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Fatalities Reported in Runaway Bay and Springtown
The first death was confirmed in the lakeside community of Runaway Bay. Wise County Judge J.D. Clark, the county’s chief executive, reported that numerous homes were heavily damaged or completely leveled as the storm swept through around 10:00 PM.
Emergency crews faced a harrowing night as they worked through the darkness to reach trapped residents. “Access has been difficult due to blocked roadways and downed utilities, but crews have continued pushing forward to reach those in need,” Clark stated.
A second life was lost south of Springtown in Parker County. Assistant Fire Chief David Pruitt confirmed the fatality, noting that the area sustained “significant damage” that has left residents in shock.
NWS Confirms Tornado Strength
Meteorologists from the Fort Worth NWS office spent Sunday surveying the wreckage to determine the strength of the storms. Their findings highlight the sheer power of the Saturday night supercell:
- Runaway Bay: Confirmed EF-2 tornado with peak winds reaching 135 mph.
- Springtown: Confirmed EF-1 tornado with peak winds of 105 mph.
The storm system originated near Wichita Falls and tracked southeast, passing dangerously close to the Fort Worth suburbs. Radar picked up a particularly menacing debris ball near Azle at 10:14 PM, forcing residents to scramble for shelter in the middle of the night.
Families Displaced and Communities in the Dark
The human toll of the storm is immense. At least 20 families have been officially displaced, though local officials expect that number to rise as they reach more remote properties. Many homes have sustained major structural damage, ranging from torn-off roofs to total collapses.
Beyond the physical damage, a “widespread power outage” continues to plague the region. Utility crews are working around the clock to repair downed lines, but with so much debris blocking the roads, restoration in some areas could take days.
How to Help and Stay Safe
As the cleanup begins, authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads in affected areas to allow emergency vehicles and utility crews to work. If you are in the Runaway Bay or Springtown areas, watch for downed power lines and unstable structures.
Heartbreak in the Heart of Texas: Our thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones and homes last night.
Do you have photos of the damage or information on local relief efforts? Share your updates in the comments below to help your neighbors stay informed.
