Severe Thunderstorms Hit North Texas
Counties across North Texas were under a severe thunderstorm warning overnight, as storms that brought high winds and hail moved eastward. The National Weather Service said the warning for parts of the metroplex, from Dallas to Arlington to Irving, lasted until 12:30 a.m. Subsequently, Dallas Emergency Management & Crisis Response said the warning for Dallas County expired at 1:45 a.m.
The area faced threats of winds up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail. Residents were advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The severe thunderstorm warning was issued due to the potential for damaging winds and large hail.
Affected Areas
Elsewhere in the metroplex, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Burleson, Cleburne, and Midlothian were under a warning until 12:15 a.m. Meanwhile, the warning for areas including Waxahachie, Corsicana, and Ennis lasted until 12:45 a.m. Much of North Texas was also under a severe thunderstorm watch, which was issued early Saturday evening and was set to last until 2 a.m. Sunday.
The Weather Service issued the watch due to the potential for severe thunderstorms, which could bring damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall. Residents were advised to stay tuned to local news and weather reports for updates on the severe thunderstorm watch.
Severe Weather Alerts
Earlier in the night, the Weather Service urged residents in parts of Erath County, including Stephenville, to seek shelter due to the “destructive” storm, which was expected to bring baseball-sized hail. Some residents on the path of severe weather also temporarily lost power. Oncor reported that more than 1,650 customers in Denton County were affected as of just after 11:10 p.m.
An hour later, the company reported more than 1,700 affected customers in Tarrant County. Though power was restored for most of them shortly after, according to Oncor’s outage map. The power outages were caused by the severe thunderstorms that moved through the area, bringing strong winds and large hail.
Weather Forecast
Severe storms are possible Sunday afternoon, according to the Weather Service. These storms will mostly be confined to east of Interstate 35E and south of Interstate 30. Hail and high winds are possible, with the storms expected to begin after 1 p.m. Temperature-wise, Saturday was expected to reach a high of 84 degrees, according to the forecast from KXAS-TV (NBC5). Sunday’s high will be the same.
The weather to start next week will be cool and partly cloudy on Monday, before warming up with more sunshine on Tuesday. Storms will settle in on Wednesday, with possible severe storms expected then as well, according to the Weather Service. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local news and weather reports for updates on the weather forecast.
Dallas Forecast
The latest Dallas forecast, via KXAS-TV (NBC5):
SATURDAY: Morning clouds and fog, then becoming partly sunny, breezy and warm. Low: 66. High: 84.
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy, breezy and quite warm. Spotty thunderstorms possible with the highest storm chances in East Texas. Low: 51. High: 84
MONDAY: Cooler with a good deal of sunshine. Low: 54. High: 70.
TUESDAY: Breezy and warm with a mix of clouds and sun. Low: 65. High: 82.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy and warm with a 40% chance of storms. Low: 61. High: 85.
THURSDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of storms. Low: 63. High: 82.
Conclusion
In conclusion, severe thunderstorms hit North Texas, bringing high winds and hail to the area. Residents were advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The severe thunderstorm warning was issued due to the potential for damaging winds and large hail. The weather forecast for the next few days shows a possibility of severe storms, with temperatures expected to be cool and partly cloudy on Monday, before warming up with more sunshine on Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do during a severe thunderstorm warning?
A: During a severe thunderstorm warning, you should seek shelter immediately. Go to a basement or storm cellar if possible. If you do not have access to a basement, go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor of your building. Stay away from windows and doors, and get under a sturdy table or desk.
Q: What is the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a warning?
A: A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by radar, and you should take immediate action to protect yourself and your property.
Q: How can I stay safe during a power outage?
A: During a power outage, you should try to stay calm and follow safety precautions. Avoid using candles or open flames, as they can be a fire hazard. Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food from spoiling. If you have a generator, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
