A powerful storm system believed to have spawned a tornado tore through the Texas community of Runaway Bay late Saturday night, leaving at least one dead, many injured and widespread destruction.
Wise County Coroner JD Clark confirmed the death toll and said there was at least one fatality, with many people injured in the storm. He also said at least 20 families were displaced after their homes were damaged or destroyed by the apparent tornado.
The storm hit the town, which is located along the shores of Lake Bridgeport, with considerable force, damaging several structures and leaving debris strewn across roads and grounds. Rescuers described the situation as a “major incident in severe weather” with a widespread impact in several neighborhoods.
Emergency response in full swing
Emergency crews worked through the night to respond to the crisis, with multiple agencies deployed to affected areas. These include Wise County EMS, local fire departments, law enforcement personnel and mutual aid teams from surrounding regions.
“All county ambulances are committed to the incident,” Clark said in an official statement issued shortly after midnight, adding that additional emergency medical and fire resources have been mobilized to support ongoing rescue and rescue operations.
First responders were involved in search and rescue, medical assistance and damage assessment, trying to reach residents who may still be trapped or in need of urgent care.
The approach is challenged by slow rescue efforts
Authorities said emergency operations were complicated by significant access issues. Several roads remain blocked due to downed trees, debris and damaged infrastructure, while other hazards are posed by power and utility outages.
“Access to several affected structures is severely limited,” Clark noted, adding that emergency responders are coordinating with service providers to remove hazards and re-establish safe entry points for rescue teams.
Despite these challenges, officials said efforts are continuing to reach all affected areas and keep residents safe.
Relief efforts and the Unification Center
The American Red Cross is en route to the area to help displaced families with shelter and recovery support.
Authorities have set up a reunification center at:
-513 Port O’ Call Drive, Runaway Bay, where families can search for information about loved ones or ask for help.
-Officials urged those affected to use the center as a point of contact while emergency operations continue.
The public was urged to avoid the area
Authorities strongly advised residents and the general public to stay away from affected areas unless part of an emergency response.
“Clear roadways are essential for emergency access and ongoing rescue operations,” Clark said, warning that unnecessary movement in the area could hinder rescue efforts.
He also noted that volunteers are not needed at this stage and any future need for public assistance or donations will be communicated through official channels.
A further update is expected
Emergency teams continued operations into the early hours of Sunday, with officials indicating that a clearer picture of the full extent of the damage would emerge after dawn.
