ELLIS COUNTY, Texas — A man has died in Ellis County after severe storms and hail swept through the area early Saturday morning, according to officials.
Ellis County authorities reported that strong winds overturned several RVs and semi-trucks, and caused power lines and trees to fall. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office provided the details in a press release.
The Ennis Police Department confirmed that a 42-year-old man from Midlothian was fatally injured in the storm. Relatives later identified the victim as T.J. Bailey, who had been living in an RV near the Texas Motorplex in Ennis. Bailey’s family told WFAA that his wife was also injured during the storm and remains hospitalized, but her condition is stable and she is expected to recover.
Severe storms in Ellis and Johnson counties caused significant damage, leading to one fatality and multiple injuries. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. We kindly ask you to keep this family in your thoughts and prayers,” the Ennis Police Department said in a statement.
Bailey worked as part of the track prep team at the Texas Motorplex. In honor of his memory, the Motorplex will dedicate an upcoming event, TX2K25, to Bailey. The venue is also raising funds for his family. Donations can be made through Venmo at @tjbaileyfamilyfund or by sending checks to Texas Motorplex with the memo “TJ Bailey Family Fund.”
At least three others were hospitalized due to storm-related injuries in their homes, though their conditions remain unknown.
Officials reported six overturned 18-wheelers in the southbound lanes of Interstate 35E, and one more overturned truck in the northbound lanes near mile marker 397 in Ellis County. The resulting traffic backup extended into Ellis County, according to a post from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Waxahachie City Council member Travis Smith shared photos of hail damage on social media, showing broken windows. City crews have closed downtown Waxahachie sidewalks for damage assessment, Smith said.
In Ennis, the wind also caused the facade of a local supermarket to collapse.
“This is an active situation, and assessments are still being conducted,” the sheriff’s office added.
In Johnson County, winds as high as 75 mph caused damage to several structures, according to the Johnson County Emergency Management team. Officials reported that up to six people may have been displaced due to the storm’s impact.
The most severe storms moved out of the Dallas-Fort Worth area by 8 a.m., but there is still a chance for more severe weather later in the day. As a result, WFAA has extended the Weather Alert Day until 1 p.m.
Large hail, some as big as golf balls, woke up many North Texans across the DFW area. WFAA viewers shared photos of hail accumulating in their yards, showing the extent of the storm’s impact.