ENVIRONMENT

North Texas Tornadoes Kill Two, Damage Runaway Bay

PUBLISHED Apr 26, 2026, 2:24 PM ET

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Sources: 6

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Sources: 6

RUNAWAY BAY, Texas. An EF-2 tornado struck Runaway Bay on Saturday evening during a severe thunderstorm, producing peak winds measured at 135 mph and causing major structural damage; an additional EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Parker County. Emergency responders worked Saturday night and into Sunday to reach damaged homes and treat the injured. On Sunday, National Weather Service survey teams confirmed tornado ratings and continued damage assessments while local officials reported fatalities, injuries, and dozens of displaced families; Wise County Judge J.D. Clark issued a local disaster declaration and requested state assistance. Crews continue debris clearance, power restoration, and coordinated relief efforts as officials compile casualty and damage reports.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Saturday evening: Severe thunderstorm system produces tornadoes across Wise and Parker counties.
Saturday night: Emergency responders conduct rescue, debris clearance, and initial casualty care.
Sunday: National Weather Service survey teams assess damage and confirm tornado ratings (EF-2 in Wise County, EF-1 in Parker County).
Sunday: Wise County officials report fatalities, injuries, displaced families and issue a local disaster declaration.
Sunday: Requests for state assistance and ongoing utility restoration, debris removal, and detailed damage assessments continue.

News Intelligence

Severe weather events like these tornadoes can happen anywhere, anytime. It's a reminder to always be prepared. Check your home's emergency kit and review your family's disaster plan. Stay informed about your local weather conditions.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6

Who Benefited

Emergency response agencies and local contractors benefit through deployment of resources, reconstruction contracts, and state assistance funding to restore utilities and clear debris for affected communities.

Who Impacted

Residents of Runaway Bay, Springtown and surrounding areas suffered fatalities, injuries, major home damage, power outages, and displacement following Saturday’s tornadoes and severe storms.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Residents of Runaway Bay, Springtown and surrounding areas suffered fatalities, injuries, major home damage, power outages, and displacement following Saturday’s tornadoes and severe storms.