An upper level trough near the region contributed to several rounds of severe weather over a 2 day period. The first round was an MCS that resulted in flooding across parts of North Texas.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS FWD wrote it up.
An upper level trough near the region contributed to several rounds of severe weather over a 2 day period. The first round was an MCS that resulted in flooding across parts of North Texas. The second round resulted in a few tornadoes to the west and northwest of the DFW Metroplex. The final round was afternoon convection that produced some small hail around the DFW Metroplex.
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 17, 11:42 PM CST, 2 hours 2 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 1242 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020 .SHORT TERM... /NEW/ /Through Wednesday Night/ Evening surface analysis reveals a surface low over southeast Colorado, with a quasi-stationary front stretched to the south and east across the Texas Panhandle, then back to the east across North Texas. This front has moved north during the past few hours per surface observations, and now appears to be near the Red River. The warm sector is characterized by dewpoints in the mid 60s and temperatures in the upper 60s. Despite rich boundary layer dewpoints, the loss of daytime heating has resulted in diminished instability. A mesoscale convective system (MCS) continues to trek across the Upper Brazos Valley, and should move through the Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan Area during the next few hours. While instability has decreased, modest wind shear remains in place. Severe wind gusts will still be possible with this MCS, but the threat should be fairly localized. Perhaps more pressing will be the flash flood threat. The 00Z RAOB from Fort Worth showed a very moist profile, with total precipitable water around 1.30 inches. This is well above the 90th percentile for mid-March. This atmospheric profile will support efficient rainfall processes and heavy rain rates. The MCS is also moving into areas where up to four inches of rain have fallen during the past few days. Multi-Radar/Multi-Sensor QPE products show hourly rainfall accumulations of over one inch associated with this line of thunderstorms, with some pockets receiving nearly two inches in the last hour. As these heavy rains track east into areas where the soils are already saturated, flash flooding will become a concern. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through this evening, but this will likely need to be extended. The aforementioned MCS should lose some of its punch towards daybreak, and move off to our northeast. The rest of the day Wednesday should be fairly quiet, though some isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible. Heading into the evening however, another round of thunderstorms should develop off to our west. These thunderstorms will merge into another MCS, which is forecast to track into our northwestern counties late Wednesday evening (much like the ongoing system now). This MCS will have more instability to work with however, as daytime highs on Wednesday should be about 10 degrees warmer than they were on Tuesday. Because of this, the severe weather threat (primarily in the form of damaging winds) will be a bit greater than it was Tuesday. SPC has highlighted an Enhanced Risk for our northwestern counties, with a Slight Risk for most areas near and west of I-35/35W. These thunderstorms will continue eastward into Thursday morning. Godwin && .LONG TERM... /NEW/ /Thursday and Beyond/ The upper low will progress northeastward through the Central Plains on Thursday. Overnight showers and storms will likely weaken Thursday morning, but should be able to regenerate Thursday afternoon as the atmosphere destabilizes. Activity will likely develop along a Pacific Front or remnant outflow boundary, which should be draped northeast to southwest across the middle of the CWA. The better coverage of storms Thursday afternoon/evening will be northeast of the DFW Metroplex where the strongest lift associated with the upper level system will be focused. Instability and shear should be sufficient for a few severe storms with both a large hail/damaging wind threat late afternoon into early Thursday evening. There will also be a continued potential for localized flash flooding due to well above-normal March rainfall across the region. All precipitation is expected to weaken while exiting to the east of the region Thursday night. A second and stronger cold front will push southward through North and Central Texas late Thursday night and Friday. After a warm couple of days, things will cool off considerably with Friday high temperatures remaining in the 50s and 60s. Added to the cool air will be another round of rain, as an upstream shortwave quickly approaches. This round of precipitation will primarily affect Central Texas, where soils are less saturated, and additional flooding concerns at this time appear minimal. Thunder will be isolated and elevated in nature, and severe weather is not expected. A break in precipitation is expected on Saturday as the Friday system heads for the East Coast. Cool conditions will persist with temperatures running about 10 degrees below normal. With split flow persisting across the CONUS, unsettled weather remains likely as we enter next week. Another round of showers across Central Texas is expected with a passing southern stream shortwave on Sunday, with only a minimal chance of thunder and no severe weather expected. A brief period of upper level ridging will develop on Monday, allowing afternoon high temperatures to rebound into the 70s. A shortwave will flatten the ridge on Tuesday, producing enough lift for a slight chance of showers across the eastern half of the forecast area. A break in the weather pattern will develop by the middle of next week, bringing a couple of days of nice weather during that time. Mid range models then bring another low across the Plains around the end of next week. 30 && .AVIATION... /NEW/ /06Z TAFs/ Concerns -- Widespread TSRA for Metroplex TAF sites. Additional round of TSRA Wednesday night/Thursday morning. As of this writing, a line of TSRA extends from KGLE to KLUD to KBKD. Gusty winds, small hail, and tops to 40 kft can be expected with this line of TSRA. This line should reach western Metroplex TAF sites within the next hour, and push through the Metroplex over the next few hours. Expect prevailing MVFR CIGs/vsby during these storms, with IFR likely at times. Storms should exit during the morning hours, with convective chances ending by 18Z. Another round of TSRA appears likely Wednesday night after 03Z, but because of uncertainties in timing, opted to preclude mention in TAF with this issuance. Godwin && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Dallas-Ft. Worth 64 78 66 79 50 / 80 80 70 70 10 Waco 67 76 67 80 54 / 40 30 70 80 30 Paris 58 74 65 76 50 / 80 90 50 100 20 Denton 62 77 66 78 44 / 90 80 70 60 5 McKinney 62 76 66 78 46 / 80 90 70 80 10 Dallas 65 77 66 79 51 / 80 80 70 80 10 Terrell 66 75 67 78 51 / 60 80 60 90 20 Corsicana 66 75 67 78 57 / 50 50 60 90 30 Temple 65 76 66 80 56 / 20 20 70 70 50 Mineral Wells 63 79 63 77 46 / 90 60 70 40 5 && .FWD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flash Flood Watch through Wednesday evening for TXZ091>095- 100>107-115>123-129>134-141. && 37/30
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 1247 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020 TXZ091>095-100>107-115>123-129>135-141>148-156>162-174-175-190600- Montague-Cooke-Grayson-Fannin-Lamar-Young-Jack-Wise-Denton-Collin- Hunt-Delta-Hopkins-Stephens-Palo Pinto-Parker-Tarrant-Dallas- Rockwall-Kaufman-Van Zandt-Rains-Eastland-Erath-Hood-Somervell- Johnson-Ellis-Henderson-Comanche-Mills-Hamilton-Bosque-Hill-Navarro- Freestone-Anderson-Lampasas-Coryell-Bell-McLennan-Falls-Limestone- Leon-Milam-Robertson- 1247 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for North and Central Texas. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Thunderstorms will move across North Texas early this morning. A few thunderstorms may be strong and produce gusty winds and small hail. Heavy rain rates may also lead to flash flooding in some areas. Another round of thunderstorms is expected across North Texas tonight. Some thunderstorms may be severe with damaging winds and large hail being the main hazards. Heavy rainfall over already saturated soils may lead to flash flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Additional thunderstorms are possible each day through the remainder of the week and into the weekend. A few strong to potentially severe storms are possible again late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, mainly along and west of I-35. Additionally, locally heavy rain may produce flooding, or even possibly flash flooding within areas where soils are supersaturated. Severe weather is not expect beyond Thursday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Limited spotter activation may be requested across parts of North Texas this evening and tonight.
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 1212 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020 TXZ102-103-180545- Denton TX-Wise TX- 1212 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN WISE AND SOUTHWESTERN DENTON COUNTIES UNTIL 1245 AM CDT... At 1212 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over New Fairview, or 10 miles north of Briar, moving east at 30 mph. Penny size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Decatur, Briar, Pecan Acres, Justin, Northlake, New Fairview, Aurora, Boyd, Rhome, Ponder and Newark. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. && LAT...LON 3300 9761 3325 9760 3326 9726 3299 9726 TIME...MOT...LOC 0512Z 258DEG 28KT 3312 9751 Dunn
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
1258 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020
TXZ103-180630-
Denton TX-
1258 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL DENTON COUNTY UNTIL 130
AM CDT...
At 1257 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Denton, moving east at 25 mph.
Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Frisco, Denton, Corinth, Lake Dallas, Sanger, Little Elm, Krum, Pilot
Point, Argyle, Shady Shores, Aubrey, Krugerville, Cross Roads, Ray
Roberts Park Isle Du Bois, Oak Point and Lincoln Park.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Seek
a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3341 9684 3317 9684 3311 9722 3329 9728
3342 9707
TIME...MOT...LOC 0557Z 253DEG 23KT 3323 9717
30Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 133 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020 TXZ115-180700- Stephens TX- 133 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN STEPHENS COUNTY UNTIL 200 AM CDT... At 133 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Necessity, or 9 miles southeast of Breckenridge, moving east at 40 mph. Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Necessity and Gunsight. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. && LAT...LON 3281 9858 3252 9858 3252 9890 3271 9893 TIME...MOT...LOC 0633Z 258DEG 33KT 3264 9883 30
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
138 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020
TXZ093-104-180715-
Collin TX-Grayson TX-
138 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHERN COLLIN AND SOUTHERN
GRAYSON COUNTIES UNTIL 215 AM CDT...
At 137 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Celina, or 11 miles northwest of McKinney, moving east at 35 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
McKinney, Sherman, Prosper, Anna, Celina, Van Alstyne, Howe,
Whitewright, Gunter, Bells, Tom Bean, Savoy, Dorchester, Melissa,
Blue Ridge, Tioga, Weston, Westminster and Luella.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Seek
a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3363 9638 3324 9639 3322 9684 3341 9684
3341 9691 3350 9694
TIME...MOT...LOC 0637Z 258DEG 29KT 3333 9678
30Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
213 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020
TXZ116-180745-
Palo Pinto TX-
213 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR PALO PINTO COUNTY UNTIL 245 AM
CDT...
At 213 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles north of Gordon, or 19 miles southwest of Mineral Wells, moving
east at 40 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Mineral Wells, Graford, Gordon and Mingus.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Seek
a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3295 9843 3301 9843 3299 9806 3251 9807
3253 9845 3295 9848
TIME...MOT...LOC 0713Z 263DEG 33KT 3269 9838
30Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 217 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020 TXZ093-094-104-105-180800- Hunt TX-Collin TX-Grayson TX-Fannin TX- 217 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2020 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHERN HUNT...NORTHEASTERN COLLIN...SOUTHEASTERN GRAYSON AND FANNIN COUNTIES UNTIL 300 AM CDT... At 217 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Whitewright, or 16 miles southwest of Bonham, moving east at 35 mph. Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Bonham, Leonard, Honey Grove, Whitewright, Wolfe City, Bells, Tom Bean, Savoy, Celeste, Ector, Dodd City, Bailey, Ravenna, Bonham State Park, Blue Ridge, Trenton, Ladonia, Windom and Westminster. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. && LAT...LON 3320 9648 3360 9653 3377 9598 3327 9586 TIME...MOT...LOC 0717Z 257DEG 31KT 3342 9638 30
The Dallas/Ft Worth radar (KFWS), 80 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 07:45 UTC.
10 thunderstorm wind, 7 flash flood, 7 tornado, 4 hail, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Training thunderstorms resulted in flooding near Mineral Wells.
Training thunderstorms caused flooding near Granbury.
Training thunderstorms caused river/creek flooding northeast of Hackberry.
Lightning caused a fire in an attic on Roselawn Lane in Frisco. There was extensive fire damage to the structure; the estimated loss is $800,000.
Training thunderstorms resulted in flooding along several parts of SH 78 near Farmersville.
Training thunderstorms resulted in flooding on area highways throughout Dallas County. Multiple reports of flooding were received.
Thunderstorm winds associated with a tornadic thunderstorm caused damage to a facility on US HWY 281 south of Jacksboro. Metal storage facilities were damaged, large tree branches were broken, and power poles were leaning.
A severe thunderstorm in Jack County developed a tornado southeast of Jacksboro between Highways US-281 and US-380. The storm also produced two additional areas of straight line wind damage in the county. The tornado started northeast of US-281 in an open field and damaged several low-topped tree limbs. The tornado then crossed over a ridge and onto Dos Equis Ranch Road where it blew a manufactured building off its blocks. The building was secured with up-to-date straps. The tornado then continued northeast before lifting shortly after passing Dos Equis Ranch Road. The tornado was on the ground for approximately 1.8 miles and was 55 yards in width. It was rated an EF-0 with max winds estimated at 80 mph.
A severe thunderstorm developed in Shackelford County, then moved northeast into western Stephens County. The storm crossed Hubbard Creek Reservoir before gaining additional rotation evident on radar. As the storm moved into northern Stephens County, a tornado developed near Crystal Falls. The tornado was rated an EF-0 with damage confined to broken tree limbs. Maximum wind speeds were around 65 mph.
A tornado began in western Wise Co near El Lago Road and Private Road 1732. The tornado damaged trees and 2 mobile homes in the early part of the track. The most significant damage occurred to property along Moonlight Bay Drive. Dozens of trees were uprooted, snapped or damaged in a wide swath. The roof was partially torn off of one house when the winds entered the garage and tore off the roof over the garage. The tornado then moved over Lake Bridgeport continuing to the northeast. It damaged more trees on the northeast side of the lake between the lake shore and County Road 2952. It did cross CR 2952 but its dissipation point could not be determined as it moved into unreachable land on the east side of the road. The tornado dissipated before reaching the town of Chico. The tornado traveled just over 4 miles and was about 0.3 miles wide at its widest point. The maximum winds were estimated at 110 mph.
A severe thunderstorm emerged out of Stephens County, moving into the southern portions of Young County. A tornado developed near the South Bend region, where damage occurred to several homes and businesses. The tornado continued moving northeast, paralleling HWY 67 toward Graham. The tornado then veered slightly to the east as it approached Sidney Mountain, crossing HWY 67 just south of Rosser Ranch Rd. The tornado struck multiple homes along Rosser Ranch Rd, leaving behind a swath of damage before moving over open fields again. The tornado continued moving east causing damage to one additional structure along State HWY 16. Further east, the damage along Canyon Road did not exhibit tornadic origins. Rather, it was likely caused by the storm's rear flank downdraft. Maximum winds with this tornado were 110 mph, and the maximum width was about 0.20 miles.
The same thunderstorm that produced the tornado near South Bend produced another tornado to the east, just south of Pettus Ln and Old Hwy 16. This storm moved north, mainly causing tree damage. There was one home in the path which sustained minor roof damage. The tornado dissipated shortly after damaging the house. Maximum winds with this tornado were near 80 mph with a maximum width of 120 yards.
Numerous large trees were reported down in the Bridgeport area. These winds could have been caused by strong inflow to the tornadic storm just north of this area or the rear-flank downdraft.
Thunderstorm winds associated with a tornadic supercell caused damage at the Wildcatter Ranch south of Graham. Part of a metal roof was peeled back on a shed and several trees were damaged, uprooted or snapped.
About 3 metal and wood outbuildings with minor roof damage.
A swath of very strong straightline winds damaged several properties in Alvord. Winds of 80 mph damaged a few homes south of US HWY 287. Additional damage occurred near HWY 287 and Business US HWY 287 where several sheds at a business were damaged or rolled. The maximum winds were likely 75-80 mph in this area.
An embedded tornado snapped and uprooted several trees along a path following County Road 2690 in northern Wise County. The tornado turned to the east near the end of its path where it damaged a sound barrier at a gas well and a shed. Maximum winds were 100 mph, and the maximum width was about 100 yards.
A tornado began in southwestern Jack County approximately 1 mile south of US-380 just east of Marley Road. The tornado briefly touched down and moved from southwest to northeast, and its damage was confined to trees in the area. Several tree trunks were snapped halfway up the trunk or uprooted in-tact. Many of the surrounding trees also had small to large branches broken. The tornado then lifted before reaching Dark Corner Road. Maximum winds with this tornado were estimated at 100 mph.
A metal barn with wood beam support was destroyed between Lindsay and Muenster. The location was given to be north of Highway 82, but no additional details were given. The time was estimated from radar.
Multiple rounds of heavy rain caused impassable roadways near FM 1749 and FM 455 west of Forestburg.
Flood debris was reported across FM 677 north of FM 1630 due to multiple rounds of heavy rain.
Large trees was uprooted in very saturated grounds at Emberson Chapel Rd and Hwy 377 in the Tioga area. Large tree branches were also broken off in this same area. A property fence was damaged.
A large tree was uprooted in very saturated grounds. The tree crashed through the end of a manufactured home, crushing part of the residence. The nearby AWOS reported 48 mph at the same time.
Thunderstorm winds damaged one home in Graham, peeling back portions of the metal roof.
MPing report of small tree branches down.
Penny sized hail 14 miles north of Fort Worth.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Texas in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Texas, 2020Warnings in Texas, March 2020
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: 881180, 881189, 881198, 881175, 881205, 881217, 883178, 881043, 881044, 881051, 881055, 881056, 881061, 883195, 881064, 881062, 881057, 881058, 883196, 881219, 881220, 881203, 881201, 881816, 881817, 881819, 881065, 881066, 881818.