Severe Texas storm flips an RV, killing 1 and injuring a family

One dead, three injured as RV flips in Texas storm

Robert Besser
14 Mar 2025, 07:58 GMT+10

Severe Texas storm flips an RV, killing 1 and injuring a family

A man died, and three of his family members were injured when their RV flipped several times during a strong storm at the Texas Motorplex, about 25 minutes south of Dallas
Winds up to 90 mph (145 kph) tore roofs off buildings, damaged homes in Ellis County, and overturned at least seven semi-trucks on Interstate 35
Nearly 20,000 people lost power, but no tornadoes were reported

ENNIS, Texas: A man died, and three of his family members were injured when their RV flipped several times during a strong storm at the Texas Motorplex, about 25 minutes south of Dallas.

Winds up to 90 mph (145 kph) tore roofs off buildings, damaged homes in Ellis County, and overturned at least seven semi-trucks on Interstate 35. Nearly 20,000 people lost power, but no tornadoes were reported. By Sunday evening, fewer than 300 customers were still without electricity, with complete restoration expected by the end of the day. Quarter-sized hail also fell in the area.

A Days Inn hotel along Interstate 45 lost its roof. Becky Hogle, who works at the front desk, said she and the owner quickly evacuated guests. "We started knocking on doors, telling people they had to leave," she told the Dallas Morning News.

The man who died was 42-year-old T.J. Bailey from Midlothian, Texas. His wife and two sons were inside the RV when it overturned at the racetrack, but they survived with non-life-threatening injuries. The boys were released from the hospital while their mother remained under observation.

Ellis County Justice of the Peace Chris Macon said he had never seen such long-lasting strong winds. Ennis Mayor Kameron Raburn stated that the city is now focused on clearing debris and recovering from the storm.

Oncor, the power company, reported delays in restoring electricity due to fallen trees and debris blocking access for repair crews. The nearby city of Waxahachie had to cancel its Tulipalooza festival events for the weekend due to storm damage.