Tornadoes in Northern Texas Kill at Least 2, Level Homes and Injure Dozens

Key facts

• At least two people died in northern Texas from tornadoes on April 26, 2026.
• An EF-2 tornado with peak winds of 135 mph (217 kph) hit Runaway Bay.
• An EF-1 tornado with peak winds of 105 mph (169 kph) struck Springtown.
• Five people were hospitalized in Mineral Wells after a tornado on April 28.
• Wise County Judge J.D. Clark confirmed one death in Runaway Bay and 20 displaced families.
• Parker a second death south of Springtown.
• The storm system has battered the Midwest and Southern US for six consecutive days.

A Week of Storms Culminates in Deadly Twisters

A severe storm outbreak that has pummeled the Midwest and Southern United States for nearly a week reached a devastating peak in northern Texas over the weekend, leaving at least two people dead and dozens injured. The slow-moving supercell spawned multiple tornadoes late Saturday night, carving a path of destruction from the Oklahoma border region to the outskirts of Fort Worth. In Mineral Wells, a tornado struck late on April 28, injuring five people who were hospitalized, though no fatalities were reported there. The storm system, now in its sixth day, has shown no signs of relenting, with new warnings issued across the region as cleanup efforts begin.

Runaway Bay and Springtown: Two Communities, One Tragedy

The deadliest impacts occurred in Wise County, where an EF-2 tornado with peak winds of 135 mph (217 kph) tore through the town of Runaway Bay, a lakeside community about 45 miles northwest of Fort Worth. Wise County Judge J.D. Clark, the county’s chief executive, confirmed at least one fatality and said numerous homes sustained major damage. “Access has been difficult due to blocked roadways and downed utilities, but crews have continued pushing forward to reach those in need,” Clark said. Further south, in Parker County, an EF-1 tornado with winds of 105 mph (169 kph) struck the Springtown area. a second death south of the city limits and described “significant damage” across the region. “One of the most significant ongoing challenges is the widespread power outage affecting many residents,” Pruitt wrote in an email.

Emergency Response Hampered by Debris and Power Outages

Emergency responders faced treacherous conditions as they worked through the night to clear debris and reach damaged homes. Blocked roadways and downed utility lines slowed rescue efforts, but crews persisted, providing medical care where needed. The Tri-County Electric Cooperative deployed linemen to restore power, while traffic backed up along State Highway 199 as crews repaired heavily damaged power poles. At least 20 families were displaced in Wise County alone, with many homes rendered uninhabitable. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early reports indicate dozens of structures destroyed or heavily damaged.

Meteorological Context: A Slow-Moving Supercell

Meteorologist Patricia Sanchez with the Fort Worth weather service office said the slow-moving supercell traveled through the area around 10 p.m. Saturday. It moved southeast from near Wichita Falls, close to the Oklahoma border, passing just west of Fort Worth. The storm’s slow forward motion allowed it to dump intense rainfall and spawn tornadoes over a prolonged period, exacerbating the damage. National Weather Service teams confirmed the two tornadoes: an EF-2 in Runaway Bay and an EF-1 in Springtown. The outbreak is part of a larger weather pattern that has battered the Midwest and South for nearly a week, with additional tornadoes reported in Oklahoma, where ten people were injured in Enid.

Wider Impact and Ongoing Threats

The storm system has not been limited to Texas. In Oklahoma, powerful tornadoes barreled through northern parts of the state, injuring ten people and damaging dozens of homes in Enid. Giant ice chunks rammed into Michigan homes, while other regions faced flooding and hail. The polar vortex has been disrupting forecasts, contributing to the unusual severity and duration of the outbreak. In Mineral Wells, the mayor declared a local disaster after the tornado decimated homes and industrial buildings. Jaw-dropping video captured the widespread damage, underscoring the ferocity of the storms. there, but five people remain hospitalized.

The Road Ahead: Recovery and Resilience

As the storm system continues to move east, communities in northern Texas are bracing for the long recovery ahead. Power restoration remains a top priority, with many residents still without electricity days after the tornadoes. Local officials have urged residents to stay vigilant, as additional severe weather is possible in the coming days. “We are still in the early stages of response,” Clark said. “Our focus remains on ensuring everyone is safe and accounted for.” The disaster declarations will unlock state and federal resources, but the emotional and economic toll on these small towns will take years to heal.

The bottom line

• At least two people died and five were hospitalized in northern Texas tornadoes on April 26-28, 2026.
• An EF-2 tornado (135 mph) hit Runaway Bay, and an EF-1 (105 mph) struck Springtown.
• Widespread power outages and blocked roads hampered rescue efforts, displacing at least 20 families.
• The storms are part of a six-day outbreak affecting the Midwest and Southern US, with additional injuries in Oklahoma.
• Local disaster declarations have been made, and recovery operations are ongoing.