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An updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the NWS Fort Worth TX on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in effect until 7 p.m. for Dallas and Tarrant counties.
Prepare for penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
“At 6:29 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Pantego, or near Arlington, moving southeast at 25 mph,” adds the NWS. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Euless, Bedford, Grapevine, Haltom City, Hurst, Southlake, Watauga, Colleyville, Richland Hills, Cockrell Hill, North Richland Hills, Pantego, DFW Intl Airport and Dalworthington Gardens.
According to the NWS, “For your protection stay inside a sturdy structure and keep away from windows.”
This warning is in effect until 7 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.comHow to react when facing a lightning hazard?
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 lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.If the sky grows ominous and you hear thunder, seek out a safe place to take shelter.Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, 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:
Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If in a forest, stay close to lower 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 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.On the road – Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.Keep clear of puddles – Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of controlMaintain a safe distance from large vehicles – Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers 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. 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 August 26, 2026 at 5:34 PM.