NORTH TEXAS — On May 18, 2025, a severe weather outbreak brought multiple tornadoes to North Texas, inflicting widespread damage across several counties and leaving at least four people injured. The National Weather Service confirmed that at least seven tornadoes touched down during the storm system, including four in Palo Pinto County and one in Eastland County.
One of the hardest-hit areas was the town of Gordon, where an EF-1 tornado with peak winds of up to 105 mph caused significant destruction. Emergency responders reported that 31 homes in Palo Pinto County were damaged, six of which suffered major structural damage, and one was completely destroyed. Four residents were hospitalized with storm-related injuries but were later released, according to local officials.
Gordon Independent School District was also impacted. The tornado damaged athletic fields and destroyed the high school’s weight training facility. As a precaution, the district canceled classes for the week while crews began assessing and repairing damage to school buildings.
Beyond structural damage, the storm disrupted power for more than 1,200 homes and businesses across the region. Utility crews worked through the night to restore service, with about 60 percent of the outages resolved by the following day.
The effects of the storm extended to nearby communities. In Santo, high winds overturned an 18-wheeler on Interstate 20, briefly blocking eastbound traffic. Reports of baseball-sized hail were also confirmed in several towns, further complicating recovery efforts and causing additional property damage.
Emergency response teams from across the region quickly mobilized to assist with search, rescue, and cleanup operations. The Red Cross has deployed personnel to support displaced residents, offering temporary shelter and relief supplies. Local officials have urged affected residents to document damage and report it through the state’s emergency management system to expedite recovery aid.
The National Weather Service continues to survey damage and update storm classifications. Meteorologists warned that this latest outbreak reflects an increasingly volatile severe weather pattern affecting Texas during the spring season.
As cleanup and recovery efforts continue, authorities are encouraging residents to stay alert for further weather advisories and to prioritize safety in damaged areas. Officials praised the community’s swift response and cooperation in the face of rapidly changing and dangerous weather conditions.
