DALLAS, Texas — North Texas endured a punishing wave of severe thunderstorms on April 30, 2025, as a potent storm system brought damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding across the region. The widespread weather event triggered infrastructure damage, school closures, travel disruptions, and left thousands without power.
The National Weather Service issued a series of advisories throughout the day, including tornado watches, severe thunderstorm warnings, and flash flood alerts. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding counties bore the brunt of the weather system, which moved slowly and dumped inches of rain across an already saturated landscape.
Wind gusts were recorded up to 75 miles per hour, with the largest hailstones—some the size of DVDs—reported in suburbs like Mesquite and Garland. Meteorologists described the storm’s intensity as “unusually high for late April,” citing the interaction between a cold front and unseasonably warm, moist air as the catalyst for the explosive development.
Rainfall totals ranged from 3 to 6 inches in many locations, quickly overwhelming drainage systems and flooding low-lying areas. Emergency services were inundated with calls for assistance. Dallas Fire-Rescue alone responded to at least 13 high-water rescues as vehicles became stranded in rapidly rising waters. In Fort Worth, floodwaters inundated several downtown streets and disrupted preparations for the city’s annual Mayfest, a popular outdoor spring festival.
Infrastructure also suffered damage. In Mesquite, high winds uprooted trees and tore shingles off roofs, while in Josephine, reports of minor structural damage were confirmed. Irving High School sustained interior flooding, prompting the evacuation and relocation of students and staff. School officials are currently assessing the extent of the damage and planning repairs before end-of-year exams.
Power outages were widespread across the Metroplex. ONCOR, the region’s largest electricity provider, reported more than 6,000 customers without power in Dallas and Tarrant counties by Wednesday evening. Crews worked overnight to restore service amid continued rain and debris-laden roads.
Air travelers also faced chaos. Both Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field were subject to FAA-imposed ground stops during the storm’s peak. Over 1,400 flights were either delayed or canceled, stranding thousands of passengers and clogging terminals well into the night.
The storm system affecting Texas is part of a larger severe weather outbreak impacting the Southern Plains. In Oklahoma, at least two fatalities were confirmed after vehicles were swept away by floodwaters near Oklahoma City. The state capital also recorded nearly 12 inches of rainfall in April, marking its wettest April on record.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s office has not yet declared a disaster, but state emergency management officials are monitoring conditions closely and coordinating with local governments. Officials warn that saturated ground conditions could exacerbate further flooding if more rain falls in the coming days.
Meteorologists say additional rounds of storms are possible later in the week, with continued risks of hail, high winds, and flash flooding. Residents are urged to remain weather-aware, avoid flooded roadways, and check for updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency officials.
As recovery efforts begin, officials are reminding residents to document property damage and contact insurers promptly. FEMA has not issued a federal disaster declaration, but preliminary damage assessments are underway in multiple counties.
