At least two people were killed and dozens of families displaced after a tornado-producing storm ripped through parts of North Texas late Saturday and left a trail of destruction, the AP reported, citing officials.
The first death was reported in Runaway Bay, where Wise County Judge JD Clark confirmed that at least one person died as the storm hit the town.
“Access was difficult due to blocked roads and utility outages, but crews continued to push through to get to those in need,” Clark said.
Rescue workers worked through debris and damaged infrastructure to reach affected residents and provide medical assistance.
A second death was reported south of Springtown, according to Parker County Assistant Fire Chief David Pruitt.
“There is significant damage in the area,” Pruitt said in an email, adding that emergency crews are continuing their response efforts.
Destroyed houses, displaced families
Authorities said at least 20 families were displaced due to severe damage to their homes. Many structures in the affected areas suffered extensive destruction, with roofs torn off and walls collapsing under the force of the storm.
Officials noted that extensive debris, blocked roads and downed power lines complicated rescue and relief efforts.
“One of the most significant ongoing challenges is the widespread power outage that is affecting many residents,” Pruitt said.
Tornadoes confirmed by NWS
The National Weather Service confirmed that two tornadoes touched down during the storm.
An EF-2 tornado with peak winds of 135 mph (217 km/h) struck the Runaway Bay area and caused the most severe damage. Meanwhile, an EF-1 tornado with winds of 105 mph (169 km/h) was confirmed near Springtown.
Forecasters said the storm system is a slow-moving supercell that developed near Wichita Falls, near the Oklahoma border, and then tracked southeast.
Path and timing of dangerous storm
The storm moved through the region around 10 p.m. Saturday, according to meteorologist Patricia Sanchez of the Fort Worth Weather Service office.
It traveled southeast, passing just west of Fort Worth and affecting communities along its path, including Runaway Bay and Springtown.
Weather radar also detected what officials described as a “potentially large and extremely dangerous” tornado near Azle at approximately 10:14 p.m., further highlighting the severity of the storm system.
Emergency response underway
Emergency crews remain on the ground assessing damage, clearing debris and restoring access to affected areas. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious as recovery operations continue, particularly in areas with downed power lines and unstable structures.
The storm underscores the continued risk of severe weather across Texas, with officials stressing the importance of heeding warnings and seeking shelter when warnings are issued.
