The Brief
- A Garland building collapsed and a Fort Worth home was destroyed by lightning as 4 to 8 inches of rain fell in some areas Wednesday night.
- I-45 in Hutchins saw major flooding, while crews in Mesquite and Seagoville performed several high-water rescues for residents trapped in cars and homes.
- While today will be calmer, a second round of severe weather, including a risk for tornadoes and major flooding, arrives Friday night into Saturday.
DALLAS – Residents across North Texas are assessing damage Thursday morning after a powerful line of severe storms swept through the Metroplex Wednesday night, leaving behind collapsed roofs, flooded highways, and record-breaking precipitation.
DFW Airport sets rainfall record
The National Weather Service confirmed that DFW Airport recorded 1.55 inches of rain on Wednesday, March 4. This officially breaks the previous daily record for the date of 1.27 inches, which had stood for nearly 90 years since 1937.
While the airport saw record-highs, neighboring areas like Mesquite and Seagoville reported even higher totals, ranging from 4 to 8 inches.
Garland roof collapse
In Garland, the intense rainfall is blamed for a structural collapse at a commercial building in the 2900 block of Kingsley Road. Around 5 p.m. Wednesday, emergency crews responded to reports that a buildup of water caused the roof to give way.
Seven workers inside the building managed to evacuate safely, and authorities confirmed there were no injuries.
Flash flooding and rescues
Heavy rain triggered dangerous flash flooding, particularly on NB I-45 near East Palestine Street in Hutchins. Witnesses described the interstate as looking “like a river,” with several vehicles becoming disabled in high water.…