Three Tornadoes Strike Johnson County as Baseball-Sized Hail Pummels North Texas

Key facts

• Two EF-0 tornadoes confirmed in Rio Vista and Cleburne, Johnson County.
• A third tornado in Cresson, Johnson County, is still being evaluated.
• across affected areas.
• in Johnson County.
• Mineral Wells in Parker County saw buildings destroyed, including the Butler Ventamatic building near 100 Washington Road.
• The Parker Hannafin Facility in Mineral Wells was heavily damaged.
• Country Club Estates off Country Club Road in Mineral Wells suffered damage.
• An RV park in Mineral Wells also sustained severe damage.

Tornadoes Touch Down in Johnson County, Leaving Trail of Destruction

Three tornadoes struck Johnson County on Tuesday evening, with two confirmed as EF-0 twisters in Rio Vista and Cleburne and a third in no injuries or fatalities, but the storms left a path of damage that has forced families from their homes and mobilized community cleanup efforts. Ricardo Camas, who had received the keys to his new home just a week and a half ago, found the property severely damaged. The roof was torn off and wrapped around a nearby tree, leaving the interior exposed to the sky. “You could see the sky from right in the living room,” Camas said. Aerial views revealed circular patterns in the grass where the tornado likely touched down.

Baseball-Sized Hail and Widespread Damage Across North Texas

The severe weather system pummeled multiple North Texas counties, with residents in Johnson County reporting baseball-sized hail. In Parker County, the town of Mineral Wells suffered significant destruction. The Butler Ventamatic building near 100 Washington Road was destroyed, and the Parker Hannafin Facility was heavily damaged. Several houses in Mineral Wells had their second stories torn off entirely. An RV park in Mineral Wells also sustained severe damage, and Country damage documented by resident Katelyn Mott. The storms caused power outages across many counties, compounding the disruption for residents already grappling with property loss.

No Injuries Reported as Community and Red Cross Step In

Despite the extensive damage, officials confirmed no injuries or fatalities. The lack of casualties was attributed to timely warnings and, in some cases, sheer luck. Neighbors and the Red Cross have begun assisting with cleanup efforts, providing support to families like Camas’s who are now displaced. Camas, reflecting on the destruction, said, “Devastation a little bit. It’s kind of rough to put into words, but I don’t get too down on it, right, something that’s not in my control.” His home is now unlivable, with the roof gone and the interior open to the elements.

Mineral Wells Landmarks and Infrastructure Hit Hard

In Mineral Wells, the storms damaged military landmarks, including a Vietnam War museum, though details on the extent of that damage remain unclear. The Butler Ventamatic building, a commercial structure, was reduced to rubble, and the Parker Hannafin Facility suffered heavy structural damage. Images and videos submitted by residents showed the second story of several homes cleanly sheared off. The damage in Mineral Wells was concentrated in areas like Country Club Estates and an RV park, where vehicles and structures were tossed or crushed. The Parker County community now faces a lengthy recovery, with assessments ongoing.

EF-0 Twisters Confirmed; Third Tornado Still Under Evaluation

The National Weather Service confirmed two EF-0 tornadoes in Johnson County, one in Rio Vista and one in Cleburne. EF-0 tornadoes have wind speeds between 65 and 85 mph, capable of causing light damage such as broken branches, shallow-rooted trees toppled, and damage to chimneys and siding. The third tornado in Cresson remains under evaluation to determine its intensity and path. Officials are surveying the damage to classify the Cresson tornado and assess whether it reached EF-1 or higher. The circular patterns in the grass near Camas’s home provide visual evidence of the tornado’s touchdown point, aiding meteorologists in their analysis.

Recovery Underway as Residents Face Uncertain Future

Cleanup efforts are just beginning across the affected areas. The Red Cross has mobilized to provide shelter and supplies for displaced residents, while neighbors have formed volunteer crews to clear debris. For families like Camas’s, the immediate priority is securing temporary housing and beginning insurance claims. The storms have left a lasting mark on the landscape, from the destroyed buildings in Mineral Wells to the exposed interiors of homes in Johnson County. As the third tornado is evaluated, the full scope of the damage is still coming into focus. The resilience of the community, however, is already evident in the words of those affected: “something that’s not in my control,” Camas said, embodying a stoic acceptance amid the wreckage.

The bottom line

• Three tornadoes hit Johnson County; two confirmed EF-0, one under evaluation.
• despite severe property damage.
• Baseball-sized hail fell in Johnson County; Mineral Wells saw buildings destroyed and homes with second stories torn off.
• Ricardo Camas lost his new home to a tornado just 1.5 weeks after getting the keys.
• The Red Cross and neighbors are leading cleanup efforts across affected areas.
• The third tornado in Cresson is still being evaluated for intensity and path.