Severe Storm Hits Fort Worth: Hail and High Winds Strike DFW Metroplex

At least two people were killed and multiple others injured after a powerful storm system swept through North Texas on April 25, 2026, producing confirmed tornadoes, destructive winds, and severe flooding in the Dallas-Fort Worth (D/FW) Metroplex. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed an EF-2 tornado in Runaway Bay, Wise County, and an EF-1 tornado in Springtown, Parker County, following damage surveys conducted on April 26.

Confirmed Tornadoes and Fatalities

The NWS Fort Worth office reported that the EF-2 tornado in Runaway Bay reached peak winds of 135 mph, while the EF-1 tornado in Springtown had estimated peak winds of 105 mph. The storms resulted in at least two fatalities: a 69-year-old woman in Parker County, whose identity has not been publicly released, and an additional victim in Wise County. The Parker County Sheriff’s Office stated that the woman was found deceased in the debris of a severely damaged mobile home in the 6700 block of Hutchenson Hill Road after a 911 call was placed around 10:45 p.m. On April 25. Witnesses confirmed the home was undamaged prior to the storm.

In Wise County, officials confirmed one death and six injuries. Wise County Judge J.D. Clark reported that at least 20 families were displaced in Runaway Bay, with emergency crews from the county and the American Red Cross assisting in recovery efforts. A reunification center was established at 513 Port O’ Call Drive in Runaway Bay for families seeking assistance or loved ones.

Storm Path and Damage

The supercell storm system originated in Wichita County around 4 p.m. On April 25 and moved southeast, producing multiple radar-indicated tornadoes over nearly 12 hours before dissipating in Kaufman County around 3:30 a.m. On April 26. Runaway Bay was among the hardest-hit areas, with the tornado striking around 8:30 p.m. On April 25, causing significant property damage and leaving neighborhoods without power.

In addition to tornadoes, the storm system brought large hail—ranging from pea-sized to baseball-sized—and severe flooding. Flash flood warnings were issued for Tarrant County until past 2 a.m. On April 26, with reports of vehicles stranded in floodwaters in southwestern Fort Worth. A tornado watch was issued for much of North Texas until 5 a.m. On April 26, though the most severe activity occurred earlier in the evening.

Emergency Response and Ongoing Assessments

The NWS Fort Worth office noted that preliminary reports identified seven tornadoes, though damage surveys were ongoing as of April 26. One fatality in Parker County was attributed to very strong rear-flank downdraft (RFD) winds rather than a direct tornado strike, highlighting the storm’s multifaceted destructive potential.

Local authorities urged residents to avoid affected areas as recovery efforts continued. The American Red Cross and Wise County emergency services remained on-site in Runaway Bay to assist displaced families and assess structural damage. The NWS warned of potential additional showers and storms on April 27, primarily in East and Central Texas, though most locations were expected to remain dry.

Support and Resources

Residents affected by the storms or seeking information about displaced family members were directed to the reunification center at 513 Port O’ Call Drive in Runaway Bay. The American Red Cross provided emergency shelter and supplies for those impacted by the tornadoes and flooding.