Frisco, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, spanning both Collin and Denton counties in the northern part of the state. Its location in North Texas raises questions about the area’s susceptibility to severe weather. The region is known for its dynamic climate, meaning residents must be aware of the specific risks associated with powerful storms. Understanding the historical context and the atmospheric mechanics that drive these weather events is the first step in preparation.
Frisco’s Historical Tornado Activity
Frisco sits within a geographical zone known for frequent severe weather outbreaks. Records for Collin County, where the majority of the city is located, show approximately 65 confirmed tornadoes have tracked through the area since 1680. This translates to an average of about 0.5 tornadoes per year. While a direct strike on Frisco’s dense urban core is a low-probability event, the risk from surrounding areas remains constant.
The intensity of tornadoes varies significantly, though most tend to be on the lower end of the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale. The region is not immune to powerful storms, demonstrated by an F4 tornado that struck Collin County in 1927. More recently, an EF-0 tornado was confirmed near the UNT Frisco Campus in March 2024, and a high-end EF-3 tornado impacted northern Collin County near Celina in May 2024.
The severe weather season in North Texas has a distinct peak period, with May historically accounting for the largest percentage of recorded events. The National Weather Service monitors this spring activity, using the EF-scale to rate tornadoes based on the damage they inflict, ranging from EF-0 (light damage) to EF-5 (incredible damage).
Climatology of North Texas Severe Weather
The underlying reason for Frisco’s exposure to tornadoes is the unique collision of air masses that frequently occurs across North Texas. This area is a battleground for three distinct air streams that converge to create the unstable conditions required for severe thunderstorm development. Warm, moist air flows northward from the Gulf of Mexico, providing the low-level fuel for storms. This humid air mass is often topped by a layer of warmer, dry air from the high desert plateau, which acts as a cap that traps energy below, leading to explosive storm growth when the cap breaks.
This Gulf air meets hot, dry air sweeping in from the Desert Southwest along a boundary known as the “dry line.” The dry line is a moisture boundary where the denser, drier air wedges beneath the humid air, forcing the moist air to rapidly rise. This intense lifting mechanism, combined with varying wind speeds and directions at different atmospheric heights, creates the rotation required to form supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes.
The dry line typically advances eastward during the afternoon, bringing the highest threat of severe weather to areas like Frisco when the surface air is most unstable. Its presence means the region is under a severe weather threat every spring and summer, which is why North Texas experiences a higher frequency of severe storms compared to many other parts of the country.
Essential Safety Measures for Residents
Given the persistent threat of severe weather, Frisco residents should maintain preparedness and understand the local warning systems. The City of Frisco operates an outdoor warning siren system, consisting of 42 sirens, activated for immediate threats. These sirens sound when a tornado warning is issued, or when destructive winds exceeding 70 miles per hour or hail larger than 1.5 inches in diameter are confirmed.
The city also uses several methods to deliver warnings and information:
- The CodeRED emergency notification system sends targeted alerts via phone, text message, and email, providing a reliable indoor warning.
- Residents should register for CodeRED and keep a NOAA weather radio nearby, as these devices offer continuous, official information.
- Monitoring local media is recommended.
- The designated Emergency Alert System (EAS) station, WBAP Radio 820 AM, provides official updates.
When a tornado warning is issued, the immediate action is to seek shelter in a small, interior room on the lowest floor of a building, away from all windows. For those in apartments or homes without a basement, an interior bathroom or closet is usually the safest option. Covering the head with a blanket or mattress provides additional protection from falling debris. If caught outdoors with no immediate access to a sturdy building, one should lie flat in the nearest ditch or low-lying area and cover their head. Having a pre-packed disaster supply kit, including a flashlight and water, ensures a quicker response.