NWS rates Mineral Wells tornado EF3 after severe storms in Texas
The National Weather Service preliminarily rated the Mineral Wells tornado in Texas as EF3, with estimated peak winds of 233 km/h (145 mph), after surveying damage from the April 28, 2026, severe weather event. NWS listed 5 injuries and 0 fatalities, while Mineral Wells officials kept a curfew in place for the affected area as cleanup and damage assessment continued.
Tornado damage in Mineral Wells, Texas, on April 29, 2025. Credit: City of Mineral Wells
The National Weather Service (NWS) has preliminarily rated the Mineral Wells tornado an EF3 after it struck the city at around 17:50 local time (LT) on April 28.
NWS reported that the tornado touched down north of Mineral Wells near Sundown Road and FM 1821, producing minor tree and fence damage before moving southeast across Ellis White Road into Country Club Estates. Damage there included uprooted trees, collapsed carports, and damaged homes, including one home where the entire roof and truss structure was removed and displaced about 61 m (200 feet), consistent with winds of 193 km/h (120 mph).
Southeast of Country Club Parkway, NWS found damage to homes and businesses consistent with winds of 161–209 km/h (100–130 mph). A personal weather station at a commercial building measured 161 km/h (100 mph) before the sensor failed.
The most serious damage was found through Fort Wolters Historical Park and Holiday Hills Estates. Multiple homes in Holiday Hills Estates sustained major roof and window damage consistent with winds of 209 km/h (130 mph), while several World War II-era warehouse structures in the Fort Wolters Historical area fully collapsed and others partially collapsed. Damage to those warehouses was assessed as consistent with winds of 193–233 km/h (120–145 mph).
Along US-180, the survey documented tree damage from Washington Road to High Point Road. The tornado then moved south of US-180 and lifted at an unknown location south of Cool. NWS said aerial footage would be reviewed to determine a more accurate ending location.
“Five injuries have been reported, with no critical injuries at this time. A curfew remains in place for impacted areas, and resources are available for those in need,” said the City of Mineral Wells.
The curfew covers the affected area, bounded by Energy Avenue to the west, U.S. Highway 180 to the south, Washington Avenue to the east, and Beletta Drive to the north. It is enforced nightly from 20:00 to 06:00 LT, restricting access to authorized personnel while response operations continue.
At least four other tornadoes also touched down in the jurisdiction of the NWS Dallas/Fort Worth office. These included an EF1 tornado in Rio Vista and an EF0 tornado near Lake Pat Cleburne. Two more tornadoes were reported in Montague and Johnson counties, which remain unrated.
Emergency crews are conducting debris removal and infrastructure stabilization while coordinating relief efforts.
The City of Mineral Wells activated a disaster relief fund managed by the Envision Mineral Wells Foundation and established locations for donations and volunteer coordination. Residents seeking assistance were directed to local support lines and the American Red Cross.
Tangible donations can be made at the Mineral Wells Center of Life, 200 SW 5th Street. Meanwhile, volunteers are asked to register at the Purdue Center – 300 S. Oak Avenue, Mineral Wells.
References:
1 Updated NWS Damage Survey for 04/28/2026 Tornado Event – NWS/Fort Worth – April 29, 2026
2 City of Mineral Wells Provides Update on Severe Storm Damage – City of Mineral Wells – April 29, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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