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On Wednesday at 5:39 p.m. a severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the NWS Fort Worth TX in effect until 6:15 p.m. for Johnson and Tarrant counties.
Residents should prepare for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
“At 5:38 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Burleson, moving west at 10 mph,” comments the NWS. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
The following locations may be affected by the thunderstorm:
Fort Worth, Burleson, Crowley, and Cross Timber around 5:45 p.m.Joshua around 5:55 p.m.
Other locations impacted by this severe thunderstorm include Briaroaks. This includes Interstate 35W between mile markers 31 and 41.
The NWS states, “For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows.”
This warning is in effect until 6:15 p.m.
Weather Watches and WarningsLive, real-time data from the National Weather Service showing official weather watches, warnings, and advisories. Tap or click a highlighted area for details.
Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform, and Esri.
Map by Steve Wilson swilson@star-telegram.comActions to take when lightning threat is imminent
Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:
To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.If the sky grows ominous and you hear thunder, seek out a safe place to take shelter.Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops.Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If in a forest, stay close to lower trees.If you are in a group, disperse to prevent the current from passing between group members.When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.Keep a distance from water, wet articles, and metal objects. While water and metal do not draw lightning, they are proficient conductors of electricity.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.While on the road – Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.Keep clear of puddles – Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of controlGive ample space to large vehicles – Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.Avoid flooded areas – When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding 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. Hydroplaning is primarily caused by three factors:
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 July 22, 2026 at 5:41 PM.