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On Friday at 2:29 p.m. an updated severe thunderstorm warning was released by the NWS Fort Worth TX in effect until 3:30 p.m. The warning is for Dallas, Johnson, Tarrant and Ellis counties.
Brace for quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
“At 2:29 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Mansfield, moving southeast at 10 mph,” says the NWS. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Cedar Hill, Midlothian, Glenn Heights, Alvarado, Rendon, Ovilla, Venus, Oak Leaf, Cedar Hill State Park, Joe Pool Lake and Lillian. This includes Interstate 20 between mile markers 451 and 454.
The NWS comments, “For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows.”
This warning is in effect until 3:30 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.comWhat to do as threat of lightning approaches?
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 decrease the risk of getting struck by lightning, when you go outside, establish a plan to reach a safer place.If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.Wait for 30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, 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.If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.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.Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.What steps to follow when driving in the rain? Switch on headlights – Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.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 controlDon’t tail large vehicles closely – Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs 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 September 11, 2026 at 1:58 PM.