- Monday, May 19, 2025
Severe storms overturn 18-wheeler, damage buildings, and force school closures as tornado tears through North Texas.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A powerful tornado warning turned into a destructive reality for residents of Palo Pinto County late Sunday night, as severe storms swept through North Texas, causing widespread damage and disruption.
Video footage captured by an NBC 5 viewer showed a tornado touching down near Santo, a small community located about an hour west-southwest of Fort Worth.
The twister left a trail of destruction in its path, with one of the most dramatic scenes being an overturned 18-wheeler on Interstate 20 at the US 281 intersection. Traffic was heavily backed up, and a nearby billboard was also significantly damaged.
Further west in the town of Gordon, a possible tornado caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. As a result, Gordon ISD canceled classes for Monday (19), citing safety concerns and cleanup efforts.
“Pray for us,” said one local storm survivor, overwhelmed by the destruction around them.
Although the National Weather Service has since canceled all tornado watches and warnings for North Texas, the threat of additional severe weather remains possible through Monday (19). The agency will dispatch a survey team to assess the full scope and intensity of the storm’s impact in Palo Pinto County.
Emergency crews are actively working to restore order and evaluate damage in the affected areas. Residents are advised to remain alert and monitor weather updates as conditions could shift rapidly.
This event underscores the importance of heeding tornado warnings and being prepared for severe weather events, particularly during peak storm seasons in Texas.
