Two dead, major storm damage in Cooke and Denton counties after tornado warning Saturday

Two people are dead after severe storms triggered a Tornado Warning in several North Texas counties late Saturday night, causing significant damage in Cooke and Denton counties.

Damage reports started coming in as the tornadic storms moved east from Denton and Collin counties into East Texas.

Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington confirmed to NBC 5 that there were at least two fatalities from Saturday night’s storm. He noted that an AP Travel Center-Shell station in Valley View on Lone Oak Road off Interstate 35 was severely hit, along with the Frf Estates area, a mobile home and RV park neighborhood west of the gas station.

While no fatalities were reported at the gas station, where many drivers sought shelter, Sappington confirmed that at least two people died in the neighborhood where search and recovery operations were underway. However, storm damage, including downed power lines and trees, is complicating efforts. “Power lines are down, trees are down — it’s taking a huge effort to get back in there to where most of the damage is,” Sappington said.

A reunification center has been established at the QuikTrip in Gainesville.

The Denton County Fire Department reported that people had to be rescued from Marina Circle at Lake Ray Roberts after becoming trapped.

First responders and aid organizations have rushed to Valley View, which was particularly hard hit.

A feeding center for first responders and those directly impacted has been set up at Valley View Methodist Church on Church St. in Valley View. Those needing a place to sleep or Red Cross assistance can go to the First Baptist Church Community Center on North Lee St. in Valley View.

A crew from the National Weather Service will determine the strength and track of any tornado that touched down Saturday night.

Denton FD dispatched four medics, a rescue team, and Batt 1 to Marina Circle at Lake Ray Roberts for multiple victims, some reported trapped. E6/M6 are en route to Sanger Fire Station to help cover calls. Major damage has been reported at the county line on Lone Oak Road.

The City of Denton Fire Department tweeted:
“DENTON FD sending 4 Medics, Rescue, Batt 1 to Marina Circle at Ray Roberts for multiple victims, some reported trapped. E6/M6 enroute to Sanger Fire Station to help cover calls. Major damage at the county line on Lone Oak Road. @cityofdentontx @DentonScanner @DFWscanner”

Photos and videos from the Denton County tornado show extensive damage:
– “More photos and videos from the Denton County, TX #tornado #weather #SevereWeather #weatherdamage” — Paul Athens (@pgathens) May 26, 2024
– “Tornado damage north of Denton. My heart aches” — Jake Levine (@Jake_lev03) May 26, 2024
– “The marina in Pilot Point, Texas is completely destroyed by this tornado” — Jake Levine (@Jake_lev03) May 26, 2024