At least 2 dead, injuries reported, families displaced after severe storms slam North Texas, officials say

At least two deaths have occurred in North Texas after storms ripped through the area on Saturday, authorities said.

One person was killed, numerous injuries were suffered, and at least 20 families in the Runaway Bay area of Wise County were displaced after severe storms caused major structural damage across multiple neighborhoods, according to County Judge J.D. Clark. Loved ones who spoke with CBS News Texas on Monday identified the victim as 51-year-old Juan Madrid.

In Parker County, one person has died as a result of strong Rear Flank Downdraft winds on Saturday night, south of Springtown, officials said. 

The Parker County Sheriff's Office said around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, a woman called 911 to say she found a family member in the debris of a storm-damaged home in the 6700 block of Hutchenson Hill Road, and that the woman, later identified as 69-year-old Kathleen Lietzke, appeared to be dead. 

Emergency services personnel responded and found a deceased Lietzke at the scene of a severely damaged mobile home. According to witnesses at the scene, the home was undamaged before the storm that rolled through the area Saturday night. 

Lietzke's family describes her as a mother of two — a firecracker and a hard worker who would do anything for the people she loved. 

The deaths were confirmed hours before the National Weather Service office in Fort Worth confirmed an EF-2 tornado did happen in the Runaway Bay area in Wise County, producing peak winds of 135 mph. NWS said an EF-1 tornado has also been confirmed in the Springtown area of Parker County with estimated peak winds of 105 mph.

Springtown resident describes widespread property loss

Stephanie Bryan, a storm victim in Springtown, said the damage to her property was extensive.

"We lost a double carport," Bryan said. "You can see where it's come out of the ground. We lost our chicken coop. And we lost one chicken. And we've lost the roof off of, uh, off of the shed. Debris everywhere. Two full-grown, mature trees were uprooted. Porch pulled away from the house."

Bryan said she and her dogs sheltered inside as the storm hit.

"We were in the middle of the house with four dogs, lights were out," she said. "It lasted for about 30 minutes, whatever, it was real quiet, but you could hear the wind, and then it started pouring, and it started hailing."

Bryan said the shaking grew stronger as the storm intensified.

"And the house started shaking," she said. "... We were in the middle of the hallway because there's no interior rooms in a mobile home, so it was scary. You could feel the floor actually shaking."

A gas storage tank in Springtown was hit by lightning during the storm. The city said there was no ongoing threat, and this portion of the incident was isolated.

"In times like these, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of our community," Mike Kelly, the mayor of Springtown, said in a statement. "Neighbors helping neighbors, checking in on one another, and lending a hand where it might be needed is what I hope will continue to define us in the days ahead. Above all, know that the safety of our residents remains the City of Springtown's highest priority.  Our City will continue working diligently to support recovery efforts and ensure our community remains safe, strong, and united."

Wise County responders face blocked roads, heavy damage

In Wise County, Clark said all ambulances were committed after the major severe‑weather incident impacted the Runaway Bay area.

Winds of EF‑2 strength or greater are suspected. Vehicles appear to have been tossed, power lines are down, and roofs are missing.

Road access was severely limited due to debris, downed utilities, and blocked structures, Clark said.

Rescue and medical operations remained ongoing, with responders coordinating with utility providers to clear hazards. The American Red Cross was en route to assist displaced families with shelter and recovery needs, Clark said.

A Reunification Center was established at 513 Port O' Call Drive in Runaway Bay for families seeking information or assistance. That center was eventually decommissioned.

Clark said the public was urged to avoid the area to keep roadways clear for emergency crews – and that more updates were expected as conditions evolve and information is verified.

Later in the morning, Clark and first responders provided an update, reaffirming the reported death. He also said six other people were hurt and at least 20 families were displaced as a result of the storm.

Clark also explained that a unified command structure for law enforcement, first responders, and community partners was established to ensure quick responses were possible. Assistance has come in from the Red Cross, Texas Task Force Two, additional responders from the region, and the Texas Division of Emergency management. The National Weather Service was also present to document and survey the area.

Clark said homeowners and businesses should share damage information with TDEM by filling out an online form to help the agency better understand the impacts the storm had.

Clark also said volunteer assistance is not needed as of Sunday.