FLASHBACK: Fort Worth EF3 Tornado of 2000 | WFAA Coverage

Tornado Strikes Fort Worth

• 🌪️ On March 28, 2000, an EF3 tornado devastated downtown Fort Worth, Texas, altering the skyline and leaving a lasting impact.
• 🚨 WFAA TV provided live coverage, tracking the storm and reporting from the field as the destruction unfolded.

Eyewitness Accounts of Destruction

• 🏢 Survivors described the terrifying experience of the tornado hitting buildings, with "total mass destruction," "ceiling falling in," and "windows started popping in."
• 💥 Many described the sound and feeling as being like a "carnival ride" or a "bomb looks like it went off in there."
• 💔 The damage was widespread, hitting landmarks like the Cash America building, Tandy Center, and Worthington Hotel.

Impact and Aftermath

• 😔 At least four people died, and dozens more were injured, with damage reports continuing to come in from multiple affected areas.
• 🏠 In South Arlington, approximately 90 houses were damaged, with 20 experiencing severe destruction, though injuries were minor.
• 🚗 Debris, including roofs and metal siding, blanketed neighborhoods, with residents enduring the tornado's fury for about 45 seconds.

Recovery and Response

• 🚨 Emergency response was immediate, with crews searching for victims and assessing damage across the affected zones.
• 🤝 Community spirit emerged as residents and business owners helped each other, with efforts to salvage belongings and support those who lost their homes.
• 🏛️ City and county officials declared disaster areas, initiating recovery efforts and seeking state and federal assistance for the extensive damage.