Severe Thunderstorms in North Texas
Much of North Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth region, was under a severe thunderstorm watch Thursday morning. The National Weather Service issued the watch as a precautionary measure to alert residents of the potential for severe weather. Some parts of North Texas, including the Jacksboro area, were under a severe thunderstorm warning as storms moved through the area.
Sarah Barnes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office, said hail from 1.25 to 2.25 inches was reported in areas west of Dallas-Fort Worth, where the impact from the morning storms was felt the most. The hail was significant, with some areas experiencing hail the size of limes or eggs.
Power Outages and Storm Damage
She said the 2.25 inch hail, roughly lime or egg-sized, was reported in Eastland County, where Oncor reported a fairly large power outage affecting about 1,200 customers as of 8:20 a.m. The power outage was a result of the severe storms that moved through the area, causing damage to power lines and equipment.
Barnes said the storms appear to be moving northeast, so D-FW will likely get spared from the brunt of the severe storms. She said showers will still be expected through the morning before there is a lull in storms in the afternoon. The severe weather watch was in effect until 8 a.m.
Severe Weather Risks
The National Weather Service previously warned of severe weather for areas along and north of Interstate 20. It said this could mean risks of “very large” hail, which could be big as 2-plus inches, and wind gusts up to or over 60 miles per hour. There was also a low tornado threat, the weather service said.
More severe weather is also possible Thursday night, though the main impact is expected to be in the northwest areas such as Graham and Gainesville, according to the weather service. Residents in these areas were advised to stay alert and monitor the weather forecast for updates.
Driving in the Rain
Related: Planning to drive in the rain in North Texas? Here are some tips to keep you safe. The weather service advised drivers to exercise caution when driving in the rain, as the roads may be slippery and visibility may be reduced.
Forecast for the Rest of the Week
In the Dallas-Fort Worth region, the weather service said more severe storms are forecast for late Friday morning and afternoon, while the final round could occur Friday night into Saturday. Following the rounds of storms, some regions in North Texas — especially east of Interstate 35 and north of I-20 — could also see flooding.
Some areas could get between 4 and 5 inches of rain or even up to 8 inches, the weather service said. As a result, the weather service said parts of eastern North Texas will be under a flood watch between 1 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday.
Dallas Forecast
The latest Dallas forecast, via KXAS-TV (NBC5):
THURSDAY: Chance of storms (possibly severe), mainly in the morning. Mostly cloudy. High: 76. Wind: N 10-15 mph.
FRIDAY: Periods of rain and thunderstorms likely. Heavy rain is possible. Low: 63. High: 77. Wind: N 10-15 mph.
SATURDAY: Periods of rain in the morning. Cloudy, dry and cool for the afternoon. Low: 59. High: 68. Wind: NW 10-15 mph.
SUNDAY: Cool with clouds gradually giving way to some sunshine. Low: 44. High: 60. Wind: N 10-15 mph.
MONDAY: Partial sunshine and pleasant Low: 43. High: 65. Wind: N 5-10 mph.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe thunderstorms that moved through North Texas on Thursday morning caused significant damage and disruptions. Residents were advised to stay alert and monitor the weather forecast for updates. The weather service warned of severe weather risks, including large hail, wind gusts, and a low tornado threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the forecast for the rest of the week?
A: The forecast for the rest of the week includes a chance of storms on Thursday, periods of rain and thunderstorms on Friday, and cloudy and dry conditions on Saturday. There is also a possibility of flooding in some areas.
Q: What are the severe weather risks associated with the storms?
A: The severe weather risks associated with the storms include large hail, wind gusts up to or over 60 miles per hour, and a low tornado threat.
Q: How can I stay safe while driving in the rain?
A: To stay safe while driving in the rain, exercise caution, reduce your speed, and increase your following distance. Also, make sure your vehicle is in good condition, with proper tire tread and functioning windshield wipers.
Q: What is the flood watch for eastern North Texas?
A: The flood watch for eastern North Texas is in effect from 1 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. Residents in these areas should be prepared for possible flooding and stay alert for updates from the weather service.
