May 28, 2024 – The National Weather Service (NWS) has released survey assessments detailing the damage caused by several tornadoes that struck four Texas counties late Saturday night. The tornadoes, which ranged in intensity from EF1 to EF3, caused significant damage to homes, businesses, RV parks, manufactured homes, state parks, and marinas across Montague, Cooke, Denton, and Collin counties.
The storm system moved into the region around 9:30 p.m., leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. On Sunday, May 26, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington confirmed seven fatalities and more than 100 injuries as a result of the tornadoes. The Frf Estates manufactured home community suffered the most severe impact, with the majority of fatalities occurring there. Additionally, the Gateway AP Travel Center in Valley View and a Shell gas station near Lone Oak Road were damaged. Valley View saw over 300 buildings affected by the storm.
In northern Denton County, the tornadoes caused significant damage near Lake Ray Roberts Marina, where 23 RVs were destroyed, resulting in four individuals being hospitalized with injuries.
In Collin County, the city of Celina experienced the destruction of six homes along Prairie Meadow Lane and Myrtle Drive, though only minor injuries were reported.
Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference on Sunday, during which he announced the inclusion of the four affected counties in an existing Disaster Declaration that has been in effect since April 26, 2024. The declaration aims to address the aftermath of multiple storms that have brought heavy rainfall, flash flooding, river flooding, large hail, and hazardous wind gusts to Central and South Texas.
The NWS and local authorities continue to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected by the storms.