Two tornadoes swept through communities northwest of Fort Worth late Saturday night, killing at least two people, injuring six others and forcing dozens of families from their homes in one of the most destructive storm events to hit the DFW area this spring.
The National Weather Service confirmed Sunday that an EF-2 tornado with peak winds of 135 mph touched down in the Runaway Bay area of Wise County, roughly 45 miles northwest of Fort Worth on Lake Bridgeport. A second tornado, rated EF-1 with estimated peak winds of 105 mph, touched down in the Springtown area of Parker County, about 30 miles northwest of Fort Worth. Both storms are part of the same slow-moving supercell that traveled southeast from near Wichita Falls, passing west of Fort Worth beginning around 10 p.m. Saturday. Weather service radar also detected a tornado described as “potentially large and extremely dangerous” near Azle at 10:14 p.m.
In Wise County, County Judge J.D. Clark confirmed one person was killed and six others were treated by Wise County EMS for injuries in Runaway Bay. At least 20 families were displaced, with video from Texas Sky Ranger showing fields of debris, splintered wood, collapsed roofs and downed walls across multiple neighborhoods. Clark said he plans to issue a disaster declaration for Wise County on Sunday. In Parker County, Assistant Fire Chief David Pruitt confirmed a second person was killed south of Springtown, where homes were leveled and vehicles overturned. Pruitt noted significant damage and widespread power outages across the area.
“Our hearts go out to that family during this incredibly difficult time,” Clark said. “This storm caused significant damage across multiple neighborhoods, and our community is feeling the weight of that this morning.”
Emergency responders worked throughout the night to provide medical care, clear debris and reach damaged buildings. Texas Task Force 2 responded to assist with organized search and rescue operations. Multiple law enforcement agencies, fire departments, the American Red Cross and the Texas Division of Emergency Management also responded.
“Access has been difficult due to blocked roadways and downed utilities, but crews have continued pushing forward to reach those in need,” Clark said. Roads in the affected areas remain closed to all traffic except emergency personnel. Oncor reported approximately 1,690 customers without power in the Runaway Bay area following the storm.
The National Weather Service said additional details about the tornadoes, including track length and duration, are expected to be released Sunday afternoon. Survey crews may also evaluate sporadic damage reported across Jack County.
Residents in Wise and Parker counties with damage to their homes or businesses are asked to complete the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, known as iSTAT, at damage.tdem.texas.gov. The surveys are available in English and Spanish and help state and local officials assess the extent of damage and connect affected residents with recovery resources. Clark said volunteer assistance is not yet needed, and that the county will share information through official channels as recovery needs are identified.
The identities of the two victims have not been released. The investigation and recovery efforts are ongoing.