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An updated report from the NWS Fort Worth TX was issued on Saturday at 12:31 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 1:30 a.m. The alert is for Parker, Tarrant, Hood and Johnson counties.
The storms are packing nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) and wind gusts of up to 55 mph.
“At 12:30 a.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Poolville to Western Lake to near Squaw Creek Reservoir. Movement was east at 25 mph,” says the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
Expect strong thunderstorms in the following locations:
Weatherford, Granbury, Hudson Oaks, Annetta, Oak Trail Shores, and Lake Weatherford around 12:35 a.m.Willow Park and Springtown around 12:40 a.m.Aledo around 12:45 a.m.Reno around 12:50 a.m.Azle and Briar around 12:55 a.m.Fort Worth and Godley around 1 a.m.Benbrook and Pelican Bay around 1:05 a.m.White Settlement, Eagle Mountain, and Pecan Acres around 1:10 a.m.
Other impacted locations include Adell, Dennis, Agnes, Acton, Waples, Garner, Tin Top, Horseshoe Bend, Annetta North and Brock Junction. This includes the following highways: Interstate 35W between mile markers 33 and 67. Interstate 20 between mile markers 394 and 442. Interstate 30 between mile markers 1 and 19.
The NWS comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”
This alert is in effect until 1:30 a.m.
How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:
To decrease the risk of getting struck by lightning, when you go outside, establish a plan to reach a safer place.If the sky grows ominous and you hear thunder, seek out a safe place to take shelter.Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.Wait for 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back out.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low area. Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.What to do in the rain on the road? Turn on headlights – Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.On the road – Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.Steer clear of puddles – Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.Give ample space to large vehicles – Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.Steer clear of flooded areas – When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The three main causes of hydroplaning are:
Vehicle speed – When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.Water depth – The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.Tire tread depth – Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
Ease off the accelerator – Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.Turn into the skid – Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.Make sure the tires reconnect with the road – During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.Brake gently as needed – Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 10:33 PM.