On Saturday night, a tornado tore through northern Denton County, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. The storm, which struck after dark, caused extensive damage to homes, RVs, and infrastructure across the region.
One of the hardest-hit areas was an RV trailer park near Lake Ray Roberts Marina, where more than 20 families lost their homes. Among the victims was a young woman who, despite being pinned under her overturned RV trailer, managed to set off her car alarm to alert first responders. She was later taken to the hospital with injuries. On Sunday, she returned to the site, injured but determined, to find her missing cat.
Residents of the RV park were not the only ones affected. The tornado also wreaked havoc on the Lake Ray Roberts Marina, boat slips, and nearby areas, including Isle du Bois State Park. Power outages, uprooted trees, and downed limbs were reported from west of Sanger across the lake along FM 455 into Pilot Point.
In response to the disaster, the Denton County Office of Emergency Management quickly mobilized to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. By Sunday morning, teams had brought in essential supplies, including water, food from the Salvation Army, and restroom facilities. The DCTA provided transportation, and chaplains were on hand to offer support to those sifting through the rubble.
Efforts were also underway to repair downed power lines and clear overturned vehicles. In one notable incident, a walk-in freezer remained standing amidst the debris of a Shell station where several people had been trapped.
Emergency services were stretched across the county, with numerous injuries reported. Many residents were transported to local hospitals via ambulance and CareFlite, though specific details about the number and severity of injuries were not immediately available.
The National Weather Service had issued a Tornado Warning for northern Denton County at 10:38 p.m. on Saturday, after confirming a tornado near Valley View. The warning remained in effect until 11:43 p.m. As the tornado crossed into Denton County, it caused significant damage and halted traffic on Interstate 35 for several hours due to overturned 18-wheelers and downed power lines.
Denton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to multiple locations, assisting those in need and checking on residents in homes, RV parks, and mobile homes. Road crews worked through the night to clear debris and reopen roads, including FM 455 in Sanger, which was closed due to downed power lines.
Power outages were widespread, with CoServ reporting 1,217 customers affected west of Sanger to Pilot Point, Texas-New Mexico Power reporting 1,116 customers without power in Pilot Point, and Oncor reporting outages for approximately 585 customers in the Celina area.
A shelter was established at the Sanger ISD Indian Gym to provide refuge for those displaced by the storm. The shelter will remain open overnight to assist residents.
The tornado also caused severe damage to a Shell truck stop off Lone Oak Road in Cooke County, just north of the Denton County line, where individuals were trapped inside. Denton County is assisting with the incident, though further details will be provided by Cooke County officials.
In the wake of the disaster, United Way of Denton County has set up a donation site to collect funds for tornado victims. Donations can be made by visiting their website.
The recovery efforts continue as Denton County works to restore normalcy and support those affected by this devastating event.
