Wise County Judge J.D. Clark says the storm caused significant structural damage across multiple neighborhoods and at least 20 families displaced.
RUNAWAY BAY, Texas — First responders and emergency crews from across North Texas are continuing to assess widespread storm damage in Wise County after severe storms swept through the area overnight, leaving one person dead and several others injured, county officials said Sunday morning.
During a Sunday morning press conference, Wise County officials said the county has now issued a local disaster declaration following what leaders described as a “tough night” for the Runaway Bay community and surrounding areas.
Officials did not take questions during the briefing, but confirmed that damage assessment teams are now surveying the hardest-hit areas to determine the full extent of the destruction.
“We’re going to stand strong, and we’re going to stand together,” county leaders said, acknowledging that emotions are running high as families begin to process the devastation.
The person killed in the storm has not yet been publicly identified.
County officials said several people were injured, though they did not immediately provide an updated breakdown of the number of injuries or their conditions.
The American Red Cross and the Texas Division of Emergency Management are assisting with the response and recovery efforts.
A reunification center that was opened overnight at 513 Port O Call Drive has since been closed, officials said Sunday, because it is no longer needed.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is now conducting storm surveys in Wise County to determine whether straight-line winds or a tornado caused the damage.
As crews continue working in the area, law enforcement has closed roads in the affected neighborhoods, and officials said only authorized personnel are being allowed in while damage assessments and recovery operations continue.
Residents impacted by the storm are being asked to self-report damage online through the Texas Division of Emergency Management at damage.tdem.texas.gov.
Officials also said that while many people are already asking how they can help, they are not asking for volunteers or donations at this time.
“We’ll continue to give updates throughout the day,” county leaders said.
Earlier, Wise County Judge J.D. Clark told WFAA that multiple neighborhoods in Runaway Bay suffered heavy structural damage, displacing about 20 families.
“Texas weather, it can devastate in an instant, and unfortunately we’ve seen that here in Runaway Bay tonight,” Clark said Saturday night. “Please pray for the Runaway Bay community. Pray for those that are suffering a loss tonight.”
Clark also urged people to stay out of the area.
“The thing we’re focused on right now is getting to people and helping people,” he said. “If you can avoid the Runaway Bay area tonight, please do that for your own safety and the safety of the first responders.”
The storms that moved through Saturday night brought wind gusts up to 60 mph and golf ball-sized hail across parts of Wise, Jack, and Parker counties.