05/26/2024
Crews have just returned back to the station after assisting with search and rescue efforts all night with the Sanger Fire Department. Please take the time and say a prayer for all those affected by the severe weather last night!!
May 26, 2024 at 5 a.m. – A tornado crossed into northern Denton County late Saturday damaging homes, overturning recreational vehicles (RVs), and knocking down power lines. Traffic was stopped on Interstate 35 for several hours due to overturned 18-wheelers and downed power lines.
Damage was reported to the Lake Ray Roberts Marina and RVs on the Sanger side of Ray Roberts Lake, at Isle du Bois State Park, and Pilot Point. Power outages, uprooted trees, and downed limbs were reported from west of Sanger across the lake into Pilot Point.
The Denton County Office of Emergency Management responded immediately and coordinated with multiple agencies across Denton County to respond to numerous calls for assistance.
At 10:38 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for northern Denton County after a confirmed tornado was located near Valley View, moving east at 40 mph. The Tornado Warning continued until 11:43 p.m.
Denton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to multiple locations, checking homes, RV trailer parks, and mobile homes for individuals in need of assistance. Denton County Road crews were called out to remove trees from roads in Denton County. Downed power lines also closed several roads including FM 455 in Sanger.
A number of individuals with injuries were transported to Denton and area hospitals via ambulance and CareFlite. The number of people injured and the types of injuries are not known at this time as the incident is still a working scene.
At 5 a.m., CoServ reported power outages affecting 1,217 customers west of Sanger to Pilot Point in Denton County. Texas-New Mexico Power reported 1,116 customers without power, primarily in Pilot Point. Oncor reported power outages for an estimated 585 customers in the Celina area in Denton County.
A shelter was opened at the Sanger ISD Indian Gym for those impacted by the storms in Sanger. The shelter will remain open overnight.
A Shell truck stop off Lone Oak Road in Cooke County just north of the Denton County line was severely damaged, and individuals were reported to be trapped inside after the storm passed through the area. Denton County is assisting with the incident. However, specific details about the location will be made available through Cooke County officials.