Strong storms hit Dallas, Texas, causing power outages, property damage, and flight cancellations. Wind gusts of 80 mph and hail the size of baseballs were recorded, with devastating consequences across the region.
Severe storms hit Dallas on Tuesday, leaving approximately half a million homes without power in North Texas. Wind gusts reached up to 80 mph, affecting Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) where an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 was blown away from its gate. The storms also resulted in the overturning of two 18-wheelers in Palmer, Texas, and significant property damage.
The National Weather Service recorded wind speeds of 77 mph at DFW Airport at around 5:47 a.m. Additionally, baseball-sized hail and torrential rains were reported. Over 500 flights were canceled at DFW Airport and nearly 200 at Dallas Love Field Airport.
Officials stated that power outages in Dallas County could last multiple days as more storms are anticipated. Flooded highways around Houston contributed to more than 300,000 power outages in the area. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a 16-year-old boy died in Magnolia when a storm caused a home under construction to collapse.
These storms followed a series of destructive weather events over the Memorial Day weekend across Texas and other states, leading to at least 24 fatalities and extensive damage. The storms have been linked to seasonal climate patterns and an early-season heatwave, exacerbating the impacts of the severe weather.