04/26/2026
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Press Conference
Runaway Bay Severe Weather Incident
April 26, 2026 | 9:00 A.M.
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Good morning, and thank you for being here.
At approximately 10:00 p.m. last night, a large and organized storm entered the western portion of Wise County. As daylight arrives, we are gaining a clearer understanding of the severe weather incident that impacted the Runaway Bay area overnight. This storm caused significant damage across multiple neighborhoods, and our community is feeling the weight of that this morning.
We can confirm one fatality, and our collective prayers go out to that family during this incredibly difficult time. Six additional individuals were treated or transported by Wise County EMS for storm related injuries.
Initial reports indicated that at least 20 families were displaced, and many homes have sustained major damage. Emergency responders worked throughout the night to reach affected structures, clear debris, and provide medical care. Access has been difficult due to blocked roadways and downed utilities, but crews have continued pushing forward to reach those in need.
To ensure a coordinated and effective response, Wise County stood up a Unified Command structure. This brings together county leadership, city leadership, fire and EMS agencies, law enforcement, utility partners, and state and regional support teams under one coordinated operational framework. This approach allows us to share information quickly, prioritize resources, and respond to the needs of this event as one team with one mission.
We are grateful for the support of Texas Task Force 2, who responded to assist with organized search and rescue operations. Their expertise has been invaluable as we work to ensure every impacted area is thoroughly cleared.
Our response has also been strengthened by additional EMS units, multiple law enforcement agencies, and numerous fire departments from across the county and region. Utility partners, the American Red Cross, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other specialized support teams remain engaged and will continue operations throughout the day.
A Reunification Center was opened during the initial response. Once families were reconnected, that resource was appropriately decommissioned.
The National Weather Service will be on site this morning to survey and document storm damage. Their assessment will help confirm storm intensity, track the path of impact, and support ongoing response and recovery planning. The Texas Division of Emergency Management Incident Support Task Force is also assisting with response and recovery efforts.
As we move into recovery, we are focused on collecting accurate damage information so resources can be directed where they are needed most. The Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Damage Assessment Team is helping us verify impacts across the community.
Residents with damage to their homes or businesses are asked to complete the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). These self‑reported surveys help local and state officials understand the extent of damage and connect impacted Texans with available recovery resources.
iSTAT surveys are available in English and Spanish at damage.tdem.texas.gov
Roads in the affected area will remain closed by law enforcement to ensure safety and allow emergency crews to manage the scene without obstruction. Only authorized personnel will be permitted access until conditions are stabilized and hazards are cleared.
I want to speak directly to our community.
Situations like these are challenging, and it is understandable that emotions are running high. From the heart of our Office, please know this: Wise County takes care of Wise County. We stand together, and we will get through this together.
Many residents have reached out asking how they can help. Your willingness to serve is deeply appreciated. At this time, volunteer assistance is not needed, and unmet needs are still being assessed. Should opportunities for volunteers or donations become appropriate, the County will share that information widely through official social media channels and local media to ensure all efforts are safe, coordinated, and effective.
We want to thank every first responder, every utility worker, every partner agency, and every county employee who worked through the night. Your dedication reflects the very best of this community.
I will be issuing a disaster declaration today so that our impacted residents have access to all available recovery resources.
We will continue to provide updates as assessments progress throughout the day.
