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An updated weather alert was issued by the NWS Fort Worth TX on Friday at 6:18 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 6:45 p.m. for Tarrant County.
Anticipate penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 6:18 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Forest Hill, moving east at 15 mph,” according to 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 Fort Worth, Arlington, Forest Hill, Kennedale, Everman, and Rendon around 6:25 p.m.
According to the NWS, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
This alert is in effect until 6:45 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
Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes 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 becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.
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.Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.Rainy weather driving tips Turn on your headlights – Even when it’s light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.On the road – Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.Avoid puddles – Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.Don’t tail large vehicles closely – Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.Avoid flooded zones – If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage 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 most commonly attributed to 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 September 11, 2026 at 1:53 PM.