Texas, 2004

Tornadoes and Hail in Texas, March 4, 2004

March 4, 2004 · NWS FWD · 76 events in 33 counties and zones

65 thunderstorm wind, 10 tornado, 1 hail, as filed by the National Weather Service.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
12
Property damage
$3.7 million
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
76

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Fort Worth, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 4, 10:35 AM CST, 2 hours 5 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 4, 10:35 AM CST, 2 hours 5 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
1035 AM CST THU MAR 4 2004

.UPDATE...
WE WILL UPDATE THE ZFPFTW TO INCLUDE A HEADLINE FOR TORNADO WATCH
#22...FOR THE PORTION OF NORTH TEXAS GENERALLY ALONG AND NW OF A
LINE FROM K7F9-KDTO. OTHERWISE...NO MAJOR CHANGES WILL BE MADE TO
REMAINDER OF THE FIRST PERIOD FORECAST. WE WILL MAINTAIN CATEGORICAL
POPS FOR ALL AREAS...WITH EXTENSIVE SQUALL LINE NOW DEVELOPING
ACROSS WEST TEXAS FORECASTED TO MOVE NE AND ACROSS MUCH OF THE CWFA.
WELL DEFINED MID-LEVEL DRY SLOT PUSHING INTO WESTERN ZONES MAY AID
IN THE DESTABILIZATION PROCESS ACROSS THIS REGION. IF THIS OCCURS...
LONG/CURVED HODOGRAPHS AND DEEP LAYER SHEAR OF 45-55 KTS...AS WELL
AS SFC BASED CAPE VALUES OF 1000-1400 J/KG STRONGLY FAVOR SUPERCELLS
AHEAD OF THE MAIN SQUALL LINE. THE GREATEST THREAT FOR TORNADOES
WILL COME WITH ANY STORMS DEVELOPING IN THE WARM SECTOR AHEAD OF THE
LINE...WITH DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS A GREATER THREAT WITHIN THE
SQUALL LINE. SFC WINDS ARE SLIGHTLY STRONGER THAN INDICATED IN THE
CURRENT FORECAST...AND WILL INCREASE TO 25-35 AND GUSTY. ORIENTATION
OF ISOBARIC FORCING WILL ALLOW FOR MORE OF A SE COMPONENT TO WIND
THIS AFTERNOON...AND WILL CHANGE THE FORECAST TO REFLECT THIS AS
WELL.

65/DD

&&

.UPDATE...
725 AM CST THU MAR 4 2004

UPDATING ZONES FOR WIND ADVISORY ENTIRE CWA.  STRONG WINDS HIT
SOUTHERN AND EASTERN SECTIONS OF THE METROPLEX DURING THE PAST TWO
HOURS.  ALTHOUGH IT COULD BE A MESOSCALE FEATURE ASSOCIATED WITH THE
NORTHWEST SIDE OF THE CONVECTIVE... I FEEL THAT THE EVENT ALONG WITH
THE DEEPENING SURFACE LOW AND TIGHTENING PRESSURE GRADIENT AROUND
MIDDAY JUSTIFY AN UPDATE. 75

&&

.AVIATION...
520 AM CST THU MAR 4 2004

FIRST HALF OF THE TAF PERIOD WILL BE VERY ACTIVE.  MVFR CEILINGS
WILL PREVAIL THIS MORNING BUT VISIBILITIES SHOULD REMAIN ABOVE 5
MILES.  IT APPEARS THAT THE IFR CEILINGS WILL REMAIN CLOSER TO THE
WARM FRONT (CURRENTLY NEAR A WICHITA FALLS TO ABILENE LINE.  SHOWERS
AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE NEXT FEW HOURS SHOULD AFFECT
ONLY WACO AND DAL...WHERE VISIBILITIES MAY TEMPORARILY FALL TO
AROUND 3 MILES.  BEST ESTIMATE ON THUNDERSTORM ARRIVAL ACROSS THE
METROPLEX IS AROUND 17Z.  STORMS SHOULD MOVE EAST OF ALL TAF SITES
BETWEEN 20 AND 21Z.  AFTER STORMS MOVE TO THE EAST...SOUTHWEST WINDS
WILL INCREASE TO AROUND 18 KNOTS SUSTAINED WITH SOME GUSTS AROUND 26
KNOTS.  CLOUDS WILL CLEAR AROUND 00Z AS DRY SLOT WORKS IN FROM THE
WEST.  SOUTHWEST TO WEST WINDS WILL PREVAIL OVERNIGHT AROUND 15
KNOTS.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
DALLAS-FT. WORTH, TX   70  51  66  44 /  90   0   0   0
WACO, TX               71  51  71  44 /  90   0   0   0
PARIS, TX              68  52  61  39 /  90  30   0  20
DENTON, TX             69  49  63  41 /  90   0   0  20
MCKINNEY, TX           68  51  64  41 /  90   0   0  20
DALLAS, TX             70  51  66  44 /  90   0   0   0
TERRELL, TX            70  52  66  43 /  90  20   0   0
CORSICANA, TX          71  52  70  45 /  90  20   0   0
TEMPLE, TX             72  51  73  45 /  90   0   0   0
&&

.FWD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
TX...FLOOD WATCH UNTIL 559 PM CST THURSDAY FOR ZONES TXZ091>095...
TXZ100>107...TXZ115>123...TXZ129>135...TXZ141>148...TXZ156>162...
TXZ174>175.
TX...WIND ADVISORY FOR TODAY FOR ZONES
TXZ091>095...TXZ100>107...TXZ115>123...TXZ129>135...TXZ141>148...TXZ1
56>162...TXZ174>175.

&&
Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 4, 11:55 AM CST, 45 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR NORTH TEXAS...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX
1155 AM CST THU MAR 4 2004

TXZ091>095-100>107-115>123-129>135-141>148-156>162-174-175-051200-
ANDERSON-BELL-BOSQUE-COLLIN-COMANCHE-COOKE-CORYELL-DALLAS-DELTA-
DENTON-EASTLAND-ELLIS-ERATH-FALLS-FANNIN-FREESTONE-GRAYSON-HAMILTON-
HENDERSON-HILL-HOOD-HOPKINS-HUNT-JACK-JOHNSON-KAUFMAN-LAMAR-LAMPASAS-
LEON-LIMESTONE-MCLENNAN-MILAM-MILLS-MONTAGUE-NAVARRO-PALO PINTO-
PARKER-RAINS-ROBERTSON-ROCKWALL-SOMERVELL-STEPHENS-TARRANT-VAN ZANDT-
WISE-YOUNG-
1155 AM CST WED MAR 4 2004

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH TEXAS.

.DAY ONE...
A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT TODAY FOR ALL OF NORTH TEXAS. IN
ADDITION...TORNADO WATCHES ARE IN EFFECT FOR ALL BUT THE EXTREME
EASTERN PORTIONS OF THE AREA THROUGH 500 PM.

A SQUALL LINE OF STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL SWEEP EAST AND
NORTHEAST ACROSS ALL OF NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY
EVENING. THE MAIN THREATS FROM THE SQUALL LINE WILL BE DAMAGING
WINDS...LARGE HAIL...AND HEAVY RAINFALL. A FEW BRIEF TORNADOES COULD
OCCUR WITH THE SQUALL LINE. SHOULD ISOLATED STORMS FORM AHEAD OF THE
SQUALL LINE...THE THREAT OF LONG-LIVED...VERY DAMAGING TORNADOES
WILL INCREASE. THE THREAT OF SEVERE WEATHER WILL END WITH PASSAGE OF
THE SQUALL LINE.

SOUTH WINDS OF 25 TO 40 MPH WILL PREVAIL ACROSS ALL OF NORTH TEXAS
TODAY. A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT. WIND SPEEDS WILL DECREASE THIS
EVENING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...
HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE NOT EXPECTED.

.SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT...
SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS LIKELY TODAY ACROSS MOST OF THE AREA.

26

The radar

The Dallas/Ft Worth radar (KFWS), 63 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:41 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

65 thunderstorm wind, 10 tornado, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Eastland

When
March 4, 12:40 PM CST to 12:50 PM CST
Where
Eastland County, 1 mi S of Rising Star
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.800, -97.917

Power lines and large trees were blown down by high winds. A barn was destroyed and other barns and sheds were damaged. The roof of the Cooperative Observer's house was damaged and his farm equipment was moved.

Tornado, Stephens

When
March 4, 12:45 PM CST
Where
Stephens County, 1 mi W of Breckenridge
Rating
F0
Path length
0.1 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.433, -98.683

Brief tornado touchdown reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stephens

When
March 4, 12:45 PM CST
Where
Stephens County, Countywide
Measured
69 kt (79 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.750, -98.917

WFO San Angelo relayed the report from Callahan County Sheriffs Office. At least 20 utility poles were blown down in the southwest part of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stephens

When
March 4, 12:46 PM CST to 12:50 PM CST
Where
Stephens County, Breckenridge
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$250,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
33.167, -96.367

Two tractor trailer rigs were blown over in the Wal-Mart parking lot, Wal-Mart roof blown several hundred yards, at least 8 utility poles blown down, and car windows were blown in. The Certified Auto Glass building was destroyed, there was widespread roof and sign damage, storage building and garage doors were damaged, windows were blown out, and numerous reports of fences, trees, and utility poles blown down.

Tornado, Young

When
March 4, 1:00 PM CST to 1:21 PM CST
Where
Young County, 5 mi W of South Bend
Rating
F1
Path length
21.5 mi
Path width
100 yd
Property damage
$500,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.733, -98.867

Several mobile homes were blown over in Lively Oaks, the upper section of a communications tower was blown over, and numerous trees and barns were destroyed south of Graham. The tornado track continued east northeast into Jack County before dissipating near Bryson.

Thunderstorm Wind, Eastland

When
March 4, 1:00 PM CST
Where
Eastland County, 5 mi N of Gorman
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.333, -96.633

The roof of the Baptist church in Kokomo was partially removed.

Hail, Eastland

When
March 4, 1:08 PM CST
Where
Eastland County, 2 mi S of Ranger
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates
33.100, -96.467

Thunderstorm Wind, Mills

When
March 4, 1:08 PM CST to 1:10 PM CST
Where
Mills County, 6 mi N of Goldthwaite
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
33.367, -96.083

A mobile home was damaged by high winds and there were numerous reports of barns destroyed.

Tornado, Jack

When
March 4, 1:21 PM CST to 1:25 PM CST
Where
Jack County, 3 mi SW of Bryson
Rating
F1
Path length
2.5 mi
Path width
100 yd
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.083, -98.967

The tornado entered Jack County from Young County approximately 3 miles southwest of Bryson then moved east northeast to about .5 miles south of Bryson before dissipating.

Thunderstorm Wind, Erath

When
March 4, 1:25 PM CST to 1:30 PM CST
Where
Erath County, Dublin
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
BROADCAST MEDIA
Coordinates
32.617, -96.433

Power lines were blown down by high winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jack

When
March 4, 1:30 PM CST to 1:35 PM CST
Where
Jack County, Bryson
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
33.267, -97.367

Power lines were blown down, trees were blown down, utility poles snapped off, and some houses unroofed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hamilton

When
March 4, 1:35 PM CST
Where
Hamilton County, 1 mi S of Hamilton
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
31.133, -97.733

Barns were damaged and trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Palo Pinto

When
March 4, 1:42 PM CST to 1:45 PM CST
Where
Palo Pinto County, 8 mi S of Palo Pinto
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates
32.133, -96.883

Trees one foot in diameter were blown down near Lone Camp.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lampasas

When
March 4, 1:45 PM CST
Where
Lampasas County, Lampasas
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) measured sustained
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
32.350, -97.400

A Taco Bell sign was destroyed, the sheet metal roof of a funeral home was peeled back, a plate glass window was blown out, and numerous trees were uprooted. The weathernet site has a wind gust to 58 miles an hour.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hamilton

When
March 4, 1:45 PM CST
Where
Hamilton County, 10 mi S of Hamilton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
33.633, -97.150

A porch was destroyed by high winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hamilton

When
March 4, 1:45 PM CST
Where
Hamilton County, Olin
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
32.850, -96.850

A shed was destroyed, and 3 barns were damaged between Olin and Fairy.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hamilton

When
March 4, 1:45 PM CST
Where
Hamilton County, Aleman
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
33.150, -96.083

A barn was blown down, a hay feeder weighing about 500 pounds was blown 1/2 mile, a pickup tool box was blown 1/2 mile, a large propane tank was moved, large trees were uprooted, and the tin roof of a building was rolled up.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jack

When
March 4, 1:45 PM CST
Where
Jack County, Jacksboro
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
32.700, -96.000

A storage building was destroyed, there was roof damage to a house, a tree was blown down onto a truck, and trees and power lines were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jack

When
March 4, 1:45 PM CST
Where
Jack County, 13 mi NNW of Jacksboro
Measured
58 kt (67 mph) measured sustained
Reported by
OFFICIAL NWS OBS.
Coordinates
33.133, -98.417

Occurred at Bear Mountain.

Tornado, Parker

When
March 4, 1:50 PM CST
Where
Parker County, 7 mi WNW of Weatherford
Rating
F1
Path length
0.1 mi
Path width
50 yd
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.750, -98.900

Brief tornado touchdown reported, with trees and power lines blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Palo Pinto

When
March 4, 1:50 PM CST to 1:53 PM CST
Where
Palo Pinto County, 10 mi W of Mineral Wells
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
FIRE DEPT/RESCUE SQUAD
Coordinates
33.250, -95.600

Highway 180 was closed briefly due to downed trees and power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lampasas

When
March 4, 2:00 PM CST
Where
Lampasas County, 1 mi E of Kempner
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
31.667, -97.000

A barn was unroofed, a patio cover was destroyed, and many trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Palo Pinto

When
March 4, 2:00 PM CST to 2:05 PM CST
Where
Palo Pinto County, Mineral Wells
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.250, -96.700

Trees and power lines were blown down by high winds, and a large metal building was thrown 150 feet and destroyed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Parker

When
March 4, 2:00 PM CST to 2:04 PM CST
Where
Parker County, 8 mi W of Weatherford
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
31.067, -98.183

A barn was unroofed, the east side of a barn wall was blown in, numerous trees and power lines were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hood

When
March 4, 2:05 PM CST
Where
Hood County, 5 mi SE of Granbury
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$35,000
Reported by
FIRE DEPT/RESCUE SQUAD
Coordinates
33.133, -96.117

In the DeCordova subdivision just south of Acton, there was structural damage to 6 homes, the roofs were partially unroofed, one side wall was blown down, and tree limbs up to 9 inches in diameter were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wise

When
March 4, 2:10 PM CST
Where
Wise County, 13 mi S of Bridgeport
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.633, -96.533

A large barn was moved 100 yards.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bosque

When
March 4, 2:10 PM CST
Where
Bosque County, Walnut Spgs
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.633, -96.350

A house was unroofed in Walnut Springs.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bosque

When
March 4, 2:15 PM CST
Where
Bosque County, Clifton
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
31.833, -97.100

Power lines were blown down in Clifton.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montague

When
March 4, 2:15 PM CST to 2:20 PM CST
Where
Montague County, 2 mi S of Bowie
Measured
69 kt (79 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
31.083, -97.983

A silo was moved off it's foundation, a greenhouse was destroyed, several buildings were unroofed, and trees were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bell

When
March 4, 2:15 PM CST to 2:17 PM CST
Where
Bell County, Killeen
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
33.233, -97.600

A restaurant was unroofed, a carport in front of Wal-Mart destroyed, utility lines were blown down, and a tree was blown down onto a car.

Tornado, Parker

When
March 4, 2:16 PM CST to 2:18 PM CST
Where
Parker County, 1 mi N of Springtown
Rating
F1
Path length
0.2 mi
Path width
100 yd
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
33.383, -98.250

Trees, powerlines, and barns were blown down. A mobile home was damaged and a carport was destroyed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bosque

When
March 4, 2:20 PM CST
Where
Bosque County, Laguna Park
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
33.433, -96.350

Large trees were blown down by high winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wise

When
March 4, 2:25 PM CST
Where
Wise County, Decatur
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
33.033, -96.383

Telephone poles were blown down by high winds.

Tornado, Wise

When
March 4, 2:25 PM CST to 2:28 PM CST
Where
Wise County, Boyd
Rating
F0
Path length
0.2 mi
Path width
100 yd
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
33.250, -95.900

A brief tornado touchdown was reported near Boyd. One barn was destroyed and another was damaged.Some 2 by 4's were impaled in a fence.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montague

When
March 4, 2:30 PM CST
Where
Montague County, Bowie
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
32.650, -96.000

An old gas station was unroofed and a power pole was snapped off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnson

When
March 4, 2:30 PM CST to 2:35 PM CST
Where
Johnson County, Cleburne
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates
33.700, -97.533

Some outbuildings were unroofed, and power lines were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tarrant

When
March 4, 2:38 PM CST to 2:40 PM CST
Where
Tarrant County, Ft Worth
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
31.533, -97.450

Signs were blown down at Hulen and Vickery streets.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bosque

When
March 4, 2:39 PM CST to 2:40 PM CST
Where
Bosque County, Valley Mills
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) measured sustained
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
32.283, -96.650

Tornado, Denton

When
March 4, 2:40 PM CST to 2:41 PM CST
Where
Denton County, 7 mi W of Krum
Rating
F0
Path length
0.1 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.800, -98.100

A brief tornado touchdown was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montague

When
March 4, 2:40 PM CST
Where
Montague County, St Jo
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
32.750, -97.350

A barn was blown down, a metal shed was unroofed, and several large trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Coryell

When
March 4, 2:43 PM CST
Where
Coryell County, 1 mi N of Oglesby
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) measured sustained
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
33.050, -95.400

Thunderstorm Wind, McLennan

When
March 4, 2:43 PM CST
Where
McLennan County, 3 mi W of Mc Gregor
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) measured sustained
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
31.550, -98.117

Thunderstorm Wind, McLennan

When
March 4, 2:45 PM CST
Where
McLennan County, Crawford
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
31.433, -97.467

35 cedar trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hill

When
March 4, 2:45 PM CST
Where
Hill County, Hillsboro
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
33.367, -95.683

An 18 wheeler was blown over on Interstate 35 in the south part of town, a mobile home south of town was destroyed, a barn was unroofed west of Hillsboro, and 4 buildings were damaged at the Prairie ValleyPresbyterian Camp about 15 miles southwest of Hillsboro.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLennan

When
March 4, 2:50 PM CST
Where
McLennan County, China Spg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
31.650, -97.483

A barn was partially unroofed by high winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Denton

When
March 4, 2:50 PM CST
Where
Denton County, Krum
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
33.600, -95.667

Power lines were blown down and several mobile homes were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tarrant

When
March 4, 2:51 PM CST to 2:52 PM CST
Where
Tarrant County, Arlington Muni Arpt
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) measured sustained
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
31.867, -98.100

Power lines were blown down by high winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cooke

When
March 4, 3:00 PM CST to 3:01 PM CST
Where
Cooke County, Gainesville
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
31.683, -98.117

Trees and power lines were blown down by high winds, and two homes had roof damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dallas

When
March 4, 3:03 PM CST to 3:04 PM CST
Where
Dallas County, Dallas Love Fld
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
32.283, -98.683

Tornado, Ellis

When
March 4, 3:10 PM CST to 3:21 PM CST
Where
Ellis County, 3 mi S of Italy
Rating
F1
Path length
7 mi
Path width
100 yd
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
NWS STORM SURVEY
Coordinates
32.767, -97.933

A mobile home was unroofed southeast of Italy and numerous barns and outbuildings were damaged. A family was trapped in a collapsed mobile home in Avalon, and another mobile home was blown over.Southwest of Avalon a high tension tower was bent over.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLennan

When
March 4, 3:10 PM CST to 3:15 PM CST
Where
McLennan County, 12 mi NE of Waco
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$6,000
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
31.650, -97.317

A barn was unroofed between Axtell and Leroy.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLennan

When
March 4, 3:13 PM CST to 3:14 PM CST
Where
McLennan County, 2 mi N of West
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates
31.850, -97.367

An 18 wheeler was blown over on Interstate 35.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ellis

When
March 4, 3:20 PM CST to 3:21 PM CST
Where
Ellis County, Ennis
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
33.033, -97.767

An 18 wheeler was blown over by high winds, and there was roof damage to the Lowes home improvement store.

Thunderstorm Wind, Collin

When
March 4, 3:20 PM CST to 3:21 PM CST
Where
Collin County, Nevada
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$75,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
31.783, -97.583

Three mobile homes were destroyed by high winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dallas

When
March 4, 3:21 PM CST to 3:26 PM CST
Where
Dallas County, Seagoville
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
32.067, -97.750

Trees were blown down between Seagoville and Rowlett.

Tornado, Ellis

When
March 4, 3:25 PM CST to 3:36 PM CST
Where
Ellis County, 1 mi S of Bardwell
Rating
F1
Path length
7 mi
Path width
100 yd
Property damage
$250,000
Reported by
NWS STORM SURVEY
Coordinates
33.533, -97.850

Trees and storage buildings were damaged south and southeast of Bardwell. In the south part of Ennis, a mobile home was unroofed and several 18 wheelers were blown over. A 3 year old 3,000 sq ft house was destroyed. A warehouse/office building along Interstate 45 had most of it's roof removed. Another 18 wheeler on Interstate 45 was blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kaufman

When
March 4, 3:30 PM CST to 3:45 PM CST
Where
Kaufman County, 2 mi SE of Crandall
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$300,000
Reported by
NWS STORM SURVEY
Coordinates
32.650, -98.300

A downburst destroyed a storage building and partially unroofed a house west of Kaufman. Along FM 987, five homes were destroyed, trees and power lines were blown down. In the community of Post Oak Bend a mobile home was heavily damaged, a house was partially unroofed, and damage occurred to barns and trees. Minor roof damage occurred to several other structures. The strong winds caused five wrecks on Interstate 20 at mile marker 504.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ellis

When
March 4, 3:30 PM CST to 3:35 PM CST
Where
Ellis County, Bardwell Lake
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
32.667, -97.100

A large number of trees were blown down between the Lake Bardwell Dam and Alma.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ellis

When
March 4, 3:30 PM CST
Where
Ellis County, Italy
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
33.083, -97.583

Two people had to be rescued after high winds caved in the roof of their house, trapping them inside.

Tornado, Collin

When
March 4, 3:35 PM CST to 3:41 PM CST
Where
Collin County, Lavon Res
Rating
F1
Path length
3 mi
Path width
660 yd
Injuries
2 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
NWS STORM SURVEY
Coordinates
32.083, -98.333

The tornado touched down on the east side of Lavon Lake then moved northeast and dissipated approximately 2 miles north northwest of Copeville. Damage occurred to mobile homes, houses, trees, and utility poles. 8 homes were left uninhabitable and 16 sustained heavy damage. Two people were injured when the mobile home they were in was moved 150 feet.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ellis

When
March 4, 3:35 PM CST
Where
Ellis County, Boyce
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
32.833, -95.833

The Sheriffs Office radio tower was blown down, a windmill was blown down, one barn destroyed, another barn was damaged, and trees and utility lines were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ellis

When
March 4, 3:40 PM CST
Where
Ellis County, Palmer
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
31.533, -98.567

An 18 wheeler was blown over, a chimney and tree were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Collin

When
March 4, 3:41 PM CST to 3:45 PM CST
Where
Collin County, Farmersville
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$250,000
Reported by
NWS STORM SURVEY
Coordinates
33.167, -98.383

A downburst, associated with the tornado, occurred east and northeast of the tornado track into the Farmersville area. Extensive damage was done to a school complex on the north side of Farmersville.Many homes lost trees, porches, carports, fencing, and roofing.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kaufman

When
March 4, 3:43 PM CST to 3:44 PM CST
Where
Kaufman County, 6 mi E of Crandall
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Reported by
AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates
31.633, -98.050

Thunderstorm Wind, Fannin

When
March 4, 3:45 PM CST to 3:46 PM CST
Where
Fannin County, Trenton
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated sustained
Reported by
FIRE DEPT/RESCUE SQUAD
Coordinates
32.400, -97.733

Thunderstorm Wind, Hunt

When
March 4, 3:50 PM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where
Hunt County, Countywide
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
33.217, -98.167

Verizon tower was blown over west of Caddo Mills, a tree was blown down on FM 2300, and power lines were blown down on highway 69.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hunt

When
March 4, 4:00 PM CST
Where
Hunt County, Wolfe City
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
32.800, -98.267

A mobile home was moved off it's blocks, a barn was destroyed, the concession stand of a ball field was destroyed, fences were blown down, and numerous trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hunt

When
March 4, 4:00 PM CST to 4:05 PM CST
Where
Hunt County, Greenville
Measured
59 kt (68 mph) measured sustained
Property damage
$35,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
33.567, -97.850

A barn was blown down at the intersection of FM 1524 and FM 36. Numerous power lines were blown down north of Greenville. Several homes in Greenville were partially unroofed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hunt

When
March 4, 4:10 PM CST
Where
Hunt County, Commerce
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
32.983, -97.683

A car wash that was being renovated was blown down onto a van, fences, telephone poles, and two storage shed were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Van Zandt

When
March 4, 4:15 PM CST to 4:16 PM CST
Where
Van Zandt County, Wills Pt
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.000, -97.133

An RV was blown over on Interstate 20 near Highway 64.

Thunderstorm Wind, Van Zandt

When
March 4, 4:15 PM CST to 4:20 PM CST
Where
Van Zandt County, 3 mi S of Wills Pt
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated sustained
Injuries
10 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage
$500,000
Reported by
EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates
33.267, -97.250

Several houses were damaged, many RV trailers destroyed, trees, and power lines were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rains

When
March 4, 4:16 PM CST to 4:20 PM CST
Where
Rains County, Countywide
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$35,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
32.183, -96.883

Wind damage across northern part of the county. The worst damage was from Highway 276 at County Road 1320 to near Elm on FM 514. Many trees were blown down, a house was damaged, a large tree was blown down onto a carport, sheds and barns were damagerd, and a chimney was blown off a house.

Thunderstorm Wind, Delta

When
March 4, 4:20 PM CST to 4:21 PM CST
Where
Delta County, Cooper
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) measured sustained
Reported by
EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates
31.433, -97.517

Thunderstorm Wind, Hopkins

When
March 4, 4:30 PM CST
Where
Hopkins County, Countywide
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$350,000
Reported by
NEWSPAPER
Coordinates
33.000, -98.750

Widespread rural damage occurred, mainly in the eastern part of the county. 8 homes were destroyed, 13 were heavily damaged, and 27 sustained moderate damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lamar

When
March 4, 4:34 PM CST to 4:35 PM CST
Where
Lamar County, 8 mi WSW of Paris
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated sustained
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates
32.383, -96.733

Thunderstorm Wind, Hopkins

When
March 4, 4:35 PM CST to 4:36 PM CST
Where
Hopkins County, 4 mi ESE of Como
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated sustained
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Coordinates
32.433, -96.667

The Bain Poultry Farm had 6-500 foot long poultry barns destroyed, 80,000 baby chicks were killed,and there was heavy damage to a dairy barn. Several area homes had roof and structural damage, and several barns were destroyed, and trees and powerlines were blown down.

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind
Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Hail
Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Texas in 2004Every state in 2004This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Texas, 2004Warnings in Texas, March 2004

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 5389819, 5388500, 5389818, 5389821, 5388498, 5388619, 5389820, 5390188, 5388499, 5389822, 5389823, 5388618, 5389824, 5388610, 5388616, 5388617, 5388625, 5388713, 5388724, 5388501, 5390190, 5388611, 5389825, 5389826, 5388626, 5388621, 5388623, 5388622, 5390067, 5390076, 5390191, 5388624, 5388620, 5390189, 5388714, 5390068, 5390070, 5390071, 5388505, 5388612, and more.