19 hours Ago
ELLIS COUNTY, Texas — One man has died in Ellis County after severe storms and hail moved through the area early Saturday morning, officials said. Ellis County officials said several RVs and semi-trucks were blown over by strong winds. Several power lines and trees were also reported down after the storm, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.
The Ennis Police Department said a 42-year-old man from Midlothian died after being injured during the severe storms. Relatives confirmed to WFAA that the victim was T.J.
Bailey, who lived in an RV near the Texas Motorplex in Ennis. According to the family, Bailey's wife was injured during the storm and is still in the hospital but is expected to live. "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 department said in a statement. Bailey's employer, the Texas Motorplex, will honor his life by dedicating an upcoming event, TX2K25, to Bailey and his memory. Bailey worked as a part of the track prep team, the motorplex wrote in a Facebook post .
The Texas Motorplex is also raising funds for his family. Those who wish to donate can send funds to @tjbaileyfamilyfund on Venmo. Checks can also be sent to Texas Motorplex with the memo "TJ Bailey Family Fund.
" At least three people were hospitalized due to injuries sustained in their homes during the storm, the release states. Their condition is currently unknown. Six overturned 18-wheelers were reported in the southbound lanes of Interstate 35E and one overturned 18-wheeler in the northbound lanes of I-35E near milepost 397 in Ellis County, officials said.
The resulting backup extends to Ellis County, according to a social media post from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Waxahachie City Council member Travis Smith shared photos of broken windows caused by hail on social media . City crews will close sidewalks in downtown Waxahachie to assess the damage, Smith said.
In Ennis, the wind knocked over the facade of a local supermarket. "This is an active situation, and assessments are still being conducted," the release states. In Johnson County, officials said several structures were damaged by winds that may have reached up to 75 mph, Johnson County Emergency Management said in a social media post.
About six people may have been displaced by the damage, officials said. Officials in Ennis said residents who have experienced any damage can report it online at https://damage.tdem.
texas.gov/ . The most severe storms moved out of Dallas-Fort Worth by 8 a.
m. However, there is a chance for more severe storms to form in the area this afternoon, prompting the WFAA weather team to extend our Weather Alert Day until 1 p.m.
Large amounts of hail, up to golf ball-sized, woke up North Texans across DFW this morning. WFAA viewers sent in photos showing widespread hail, piling up in their front and backyards. Here's a look at how much hail fell.
