Tornadoes Strike North Texas: At Least 2 Dead, 6 Injured, Thousands Without Power as Severe Storms Ravage Region

At least two people were killed when tornadoes struck northern Texas on Saturday night, April 26, 2026, according to multiple verified sources. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-2 tornado touched down near Runaway Bay in Wise County with peak winds of 135 mph, while an EF-1 tornado was reported in Springtown, Parker County. The storms caused widespread damage to homes, power infrastructure, and trees, leaving dozens of families displaced and thousands without power.

Emergency responders reported at least six people were treated for injuries following the tornadoes. In Wise County, the EF-2 tornado carved a path nearly one-third of a mile wide, uprooting trees and causing substantial structural damage along U.S. Highway 380 near Port O Call Drive and Pinto Court. In Springtown, officials confirmed damage to homes and power lines, with Tri-County Electric Cooperative crews working through Sunday to restore electricity to affected areas.

The National Weather Service survey teams assessed the damage on Sunday morning, confirming the EF-2 rating for the Runaway Bay tornado based on wind speed measurements at two separate structures. In Springtown, damage assessments were ongoing as of Sunday afternoon, with officials still evaluating the full scope of destruction from the EF-1 tornado. No additional fatalities were reported beyond the two confirmed deaths.

Local authorities urged residents to remain cautious amid ongoing hazards, including downed power lines and unstable structures. The American Red Cross and local emergency management agencies opened shelters for displaced families, while utility companies prioritized restoring power to critical infrastructure and residential areas. As of Sunday evening, thousands of customers in Wise and Parker counties remained without electricity.

Official Confirmations and Damage Assessments

The National Weather Service in Fort Worth issued official confirmation of both tornadoes through its damage survey process, which is standard procedure following severe weather events. Survey teams use the Enhanced Fujita scale to estimate wind speeds based on observed damage, with EF-2 indicating winds between 111 and 135 mph and EF-1 indicating winds between 86 and 110 mph. The Runaway Bay tornado’s peak wind speed of 135 mph places it at the upper threshold of the EF-2 category.

According to the NWS Fort Worth office, the tornado near Runaway Bay touched down on the south side of U.S. Highway 380 and tracked westward, causing a continuous swath of damage. The agency noted that the tornado exhibited multiple vortices at certain points along its path, contributing to the varied damage patterns observed in residential areas. In Springtown, the EF-1 tornado caused concentrated damage along State Highway 199, particularly affecting power infrastructure and tree cover.

Insurance adjusters began arriving in the affected areas on Sunday to assess property damage for claims processing. Local officials estimated that dozens of homes suffered significant damage, with some destroyed beyond repair. The exact number of damaged or destroyed structures remained under assessment as of Sunday evening, with officials cautioning that final numbers could change as more detailed surveys are completed.

Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts

Emergency management agencies in Wise and Parker counties activated their emergency operations centers shortly after the tornadoes struck. First responders conducted search-and-rescue operations throughout the night, focusing on areas where homes were severely damaged or destroyed. By Sunday morning, all reported missing persons had been accounted for, according to local authorities.

The Tri-County Electric Cooperative reported that its crews worked through Sunday to repair damaged power poles and restore service to affected neighborhoods. In Springtown, crews were seen replacing heavily damaged poles along State Highway 199, a critical corridor for power distribution in the region. The cooperative emphasized that safety was the top priority, with crews working to de-energize lines before making repairs.

Volunteer organizations and local churches mobilized to provide food, water, and basic supplies to affected residents. The American Red Cross established a shelter at a community center in Springtown, offering meals, blankets, and emotional support to those displaced by the storms. Officials encouraged residents to check on neighbors, particularly elderly individuals and those with mobility challenges, as recovery efforts continued.

Weather Context and Preparedness

The tornadoes were part of a larger severe weather system that moved across North Texas on Saturday night, producing multiple reports of large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding. The Storm Prediction Center had issued a moderate risk outlook for severe weather across the region earlier in the day, highlighting the potential for strong tornadoes in parts of North Texas.

Meteorologists noted that the atmospheric conditions on Saturday evening were conducive to tornadic activity, with strong wind shear and instability present across the region. The National Weather Service had issued tornado warnings for both Wise and Parker counties ahead of the storms, providing residents with advance notice to seek shelter. The average lead time for tornado warnings in the region is typically 8-12 minutes, though this can vary based on storm characteristics.

Officials reminded residents of the importance having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone alerts, and local news broadcasts. They emphasized that the safest place during a tornado is a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. Mobile homes and vehicles are considered unsafe during tornado events and should be avoided if possible.

As recovery efforts continue, local officials are coordinating with state and federal agencies to assess potential assistance needs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) typically evaluates damage reports following major disasters to determine eligibility for federal aid, though no official declaration had been requested as of Sunday evening. Residents are advised to document damage with photographs and contact their insurance providers to begin the claims process.

For the latest updates on recovery efforts, road closures, and utility restoration, residents are encouraged to monitor official channels including the Wise County Office of Emergency Management, Parker County Emergency Management, and the National Weather Service Fort Worth website. Community meetings are being planned for early next week to provide updates and gather resident feedback on recovery needs.