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A report from the NWS Fort Worth TX was issued on Monday at 3:48 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4:15 a.m. The alert is for Wise, Denton, Parker, Tarrant and Jack counties.
The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 30 mph and nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches).
“At 3:48 a.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Chico to near Brock. Movement was northeast at 45 mph,” describes 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, Bridgeport, Chico, and Lake Bridgeport around 3:55 a.m.
- Willow Park, Springtown, Alvord, Paradise, and Lake Weatherford around 4 a.m.
- Decatur and Reno around 4:05 a.m.
This includes Interstate 35W between mile markers 60 and 73.
Other impacted locations include Adell, Cottondale, Gibtown, Stony, Ponder, Agnes, Boonsville, Vineyard, Dish and Peaster.
The NWS states, “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.”
This alert is in effect until 4:15 a.m.
What to do as threat of lightning approaches?
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 tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
- To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
- If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
- Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, 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.
- If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling 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.
- 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 driving – Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
- 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.
- 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 happens when a vehicle starts 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
This story was originally published November 24, 2025 at 3:52 AM.
