Dallas, TX – Strong winds and large hail swept across North Texas on Sunday night, causing property damage, overturning vehicles, and critically injuring one person.
Tornado Rotation and Initial Damage
According to Denton County Emergency Management, the first calls of a tornado rotation came in at 5:25 p.m., with damage reported almost immediately.
A 45–50 foot hole was torn in the roof of the Walmart Distribution Center on N. Stemmons Street in Sanger. Overturned semis were observed in the parking lot, but no employees were injured, and the building was temporarily closed. A warehouse next door also sustained damage.
A Walmart spokesperson said: “We are still assessing the situation and our building is currently closed. We are thankful for first responders.”
Injuries and Vehicle Damage
At the Sanger/Denton North KOA and McClain’s Longhorn RV, RVs were damaged, and one individual was critically injured and taken to Denton Presbyterian Hospital.
Three 18-wheel semi-tractor trailers were overturned on northbound Interstate 35E, south of Sanger at Ganzer Road, causing a temporary shutdown of all vehicle traffic in the area.
Emergency Response
The Denton County Office of Emergency Management activated its Emergency Operations Center and deployed the Goliath mobile communications command center to Sanger to assist with operations.
Recorded wind gusts topped 70 MPH, with Denton reporting 71 MPH gusts.
Severe Weather Outlook
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. for counties surrounding the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including:
- Collin County
- Dallas County
- Denton County
- Grayson County
- Palo Pinto County
- Parker County
- Tarrant County
Forecasters warn that winds may ramp up to 20 MPH tomorrow morning, with gusts up to 50 MPH during late-day storms. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 marginal risk, indicating that a few stronger storms may produce gusty winds, quarter-sized hail, brief heavy rain, and frequent lightning.
The greatest chance for storms is expected north and northwest of Dallas after 3–4 p.m., before shifting south and southeast, with showers tapering off before midnight.
How are you preparing for the storms in the Dallas area? Share your thoughts and updates in the comments below.
