EF-2 tornado confirmed in Runaway Bay after Texas storms kill 2, displace families
At least one tornado — an EF-2 in the Runaway Bay area in Wise County — has been confirmed from Saturday night’s severe storms in North Texas, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.
An NWS survey team determined the tornado that touched down in Runaway Bay had peak winds of 135 mph. Another survey team is looking at damage in the Springtown area in Parker County.
In Runaway Bay, the tornado killed one person, injured six and displaced at least 20 families from damaged homes, according to Wise County Judge J.D. Clark.
Roads blocked by downed power lines, trees and other debris were restricting access to several damaged structures, and first responders were coordinating with utility providers to clear those hazards, Clark said Sunday morning.
Runaway Bay is on the south side of Lake Bridgeport, about 50 miles northwest of Fort Worth.
Speaking to the Wise County community at a press conference Sunday morning, Clark said, “Situations like last night are challenging. They’re tough. It was a tough night, and it is understandable that emotions are running high. From the heart of our county government, all our community partners here that are working together, please know this: Wise County takes care of Wise County, and we are going to stand strong and we’re going to stand together.”
Volunteers are not needed at this time, he said. If that changes, information will be shared on official social media channels and through local media.
“As we move into recovery, we are focused on collecting accurate damage information so resources can be directed where they are needed the most,” Clark said. “The Texas Division of Emergency Management’s damage assessment team is helping us verify impacts across this community. Residents with damage to their homes or businesses are asked to complete the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool called iSTAT.” Complete the survey online at damage.tdem.texas.gov/
Clark issued a disaster declaration on Sunday and said additional updates will be provided through the county’s Office of Emergency Management.
Springtown and Parker County damage
Parker County fire officials told KTVT-TV that at least one death was reported near Springtown.
Officials in the City of Springtown confirmed reports of property damage and downed trees and power lines throughout the city.
A gas storage tank at a plant on the city’s north side was apparently hit by lightning during the storm, officials said.
“Please exercise patience with responding crews,” Springtown officials wrote in a Facebook post late Saturday. “Many are being called in for this event and will (work) through the night to clear roadways.”
As of 2 a.m. Sunday, most roadways in the Springtown city limits were cleared of major debris and power lines.
Springtown ISD schools will be closed on Monday, April 27, Superintendent Shane Strickland said in a message to families.
“We know this weather event has caused significant damage across our community, impacting many of our families’ homes and properties,” Strickland wrote. “With much of our town without power and serious damage to their properties, we want to give everyone time and space needed to take care of your families, assess damage, and begin the recovery process.
“Please know that our hearts are with each of you during this difficult time. We are truly sorry our community has been impacted in this way, and we are hoping that everyone is safe and able to find a secure place to stay if needed.”
Several churches in Springtown opened their doors Sunday to serve as cooling centers for residents without electricity. First United Methodist Church Springtown, at 109 W. 3rd St., is working with the American Red Cross to establish a longer-term shelter and access to resources.
On Sunday, lifelong Springtown resident Nadine Taliaferro, 72, was picking up debris in her yard on J E Woody Road.
She said she’d never seen a storm like this.
Things you’d expect to blow away stayed put and heavier things you’d expect to stay put got blown over, she said, pointing to an uprooted pine tree in her front yard.
NWS forecasts Sunday storm chances
There is a conditional threat for isolated severe storms late Sunday afternoon and evening across parts of North Texas, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.
“A strong capping inversion will keep storm coverage limited (less than 20%), but any storms that do develop will be capable of producing large hail and damaging wind gusts,” the NWS website states.
This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 1:24 PM.
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