Severe Weather Hits North Texas
Strong winds left a trail of damage, mostly in Denton County, as severe weather moved through North Texas Sunday evening, sending at least one person to the hospital and flipping three tractor-trailers, officials said.
The storms brought winds of up to 70 mph to parts of Dallas-Fort Worth, along with small-sized hail and heavy downpours, forecasters said.
Authorities with the Denton County Office of Emergency Management said they received calls of possible tornadic activity at 5:25 p.m. The National Weather Service had not confirmed reports of a tornado as of Sunday night, however.
Related Incidents
Related
D-FW Weather Wise
Damage and Injuries
The winds were also linked to damage at a Walmart distribution center, with officials reporting a 45- to 50-foot hole in the roof.
Officials said workers were in the building at the time of the incident, although no injuries were reported there and employees were dismissed to go home.
Officials said some walls of a warehouse, at 6100 North Stemmons Freeway and near the Walmart distribution center, collapsed during the storm. There were no immediate reports of damage at the warehouse site.
One person at Sanger/Denton North KOA Journey recreational vehicle park and campsite was critically injured during the severe weather and was rushed to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Denton for treatment, according to officials. A customer service representative for the RV property on Monday confirmed that the person — a woman — died. The woman’s identity was not immediately available.
Transportation Disruptions
The turbulent weather was also blamed for damage to four RVs, two residential and two in storage, according to emergency management officials.
The storm was also blamed for traffic gridlock on Interstate 35E after three big rigs overturned south of Sanger at Ganzer Road, prompting officials to close all lanes of the freeway.
It was not immediately clear if anyone in the vehicles was hurt.
Power Outages and Aftermath
The storm also caused power outages, with about 1,600 people still without power in Denton County as of 10 p.m. Sunday.
The storms were expected to diminish overnight with mostly dry weather returning Monday, according to forecasters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe weather that hit North Texas on Sunday evening caused significant damage and disruptions, including injuries, power outages, and transportation disruptions. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for severe weather events and staying informed about weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the extent of the damage caused by the severe weather?
A: The severe weather caused damage to a Walmart distribution center, a warehouse, and four RVs, as well as traffic gridlock on Interstate 35E and power outages affecting about 1,600 people in Denton County.
Q: Were there any injuries or fatalities reported?
A: Yes, one person was critically injured and later died, and there were reports of possible injuries in the vehicles that overturned on Interstate 35E.
Q: What was the cause of the severe weather?
A: The severe weather was caused by strong winds, small-sized hail, and heavy downpours, with possible tornadic activity reported in some areas.
Q: How can I stay informed about weather conditions and prepare for severe weather events?
A: You can stay informed about weather conditions by signing up for weather alerts and following local news and weather reports. It’s also important to have a plan in place in case of severe weather, including a safe place to go and a way to stay informed.
