A "potent storm system" is moving through North Texas on Tuesday morning, bringing with it a threat of heavy downpours, a risk of spin-up tornadoes, and isolated instances of large hail, according to the National Weather Service.
An isolated tornado warning is in effect for south Fort Worth and into southern Dallas and Ellis counties. A Tornado Watch is in effect for the major Dallas-Fort Worth counties, including Collin, Denton, Dallas, Ellis, and Tarrant. Many surrounding counties are also under a Tornado Watch until 11 a.m. Tuesday.
The storm is expected to impact the morning commute for North Texas drivers, with forecasters warning of high winds with gusts up to 60-70 mph. Some cities, including Burleson and Dallas, have activated their storm sirens around 5 a.m.
The National Weather Service predicts that the storm could cause severe weather, with the possibility of damaging winds and large hail. "It could be a rough drive to work or off to school tomorrow morning," said NBC5 meteorologist Grant Johnston. "Some of these could be severe with the potential for damaging winds being the main concern. We can’t rule out a brief tornado."
The weather service also warns that wind gusts will reach as high as 45 mph on Tuesday, with a Wind Advisory in effect for much of the region starting 11 p.m. Monday and expiring 9 p.m. Tuesday evening.
Sunday night’s scattered showers brought about 0.3 inches of rain at Dallas Love Field airport, according to the weather service’s Fort Worth office. Rainy conditions are expected after midnight Monday, with low temperatures in the low 50s and wind gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
The area facing the greatest severe weather risk – large hail and damaging winds – is roughly along and east of Interstate 35 during the evening and early morning hours of Tuesday. According to the weather service, "a tornado or two" are also possible.
After the showers and storms on Tuesday morning, the weather is expected to be sunny and breezy, with high temperatures around 70 degrees and wind gusts as high as 40 mph. The storm system is currently forecast to exit the Dallas-Fort Worth area midday Tuesday before much drier air arrives, increasing fire risks west of I-35, federal forecasters said.
Temperatures are expected to increase throughout the rest of the week before a chance of rain returns on Saturday.
Dallas Forecast via KXAS-TV (NBC5):
TUESDAY: A 90% chance of morning showers and thunderstorms, some strong to severe. Turning windy and mild for the afternoon with increased wildfire danger for western North Texas. Some strong to severe storms possible in East Texas Tuesday afternoon. Low: 44. High: 72.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny, breezy, and pleasant. Low: 40. High: 63.
THURSDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy and pleasant. Low: 54. High: 68.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny and mild. Low: 50. High: 79.
SATURDAY: Sun, clouds, and a tad cooler. Low: 42. High: 65.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the forecast for the rest of the week?
A: The forecast shows a chance of rain returning on Saturday, with a strong storm possible in the afternoon.
Q: What is the expected high temperature for the rest of the week?
A: High temperatures are expected to increase throughout the week, reaching around 70 degrees on Tuesday and 79 degrees on Friday.
Q: What is the expected low temperature for the rest of the week?
A: Low temperatures are expected to remain in the 40s and 50s throughout the week, with a low of 42 degrees on Saturday.
Q: What is the expected wind speed for the rest of the week?
A: Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 60-70 mph on Tuesday and 40 mph on Friday.
