Overnight weather triggers tornado watch in North, Central Texas; Tarrant County in clear
A wind advisory alongside a chance of thunderstorms later developed into a tornado watch overnight throughout North and Central Texas.
Some homes in Rockwall, located about 60 miles east of Fort Worth, suffered damage, including ripped-off roofs and damaged barns, according to KDFW-TV reporter Hanna Battah.
No other major damage has been reported and many storms remained under severe limits after the forecast had called for winds to reach up to 70 mph and the chance of hail over 1 inch.
The tornado watch has been allowed to expire as storms move east. The watch was in effect for the following counties until 7 a.m. Wednesday: Collin, Dallas, Delta, Ellis, Fannin, Hopkins, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Navarro, Rains, Rockwall and Van Zandt.
Tarrant County was initially included in the tornado watch when it was issued, but was cleared around 4:30 a.m.
As of 5:30 a.m., the National Weather Service said the line of storms was still moving across North and Central Texas.
“So far, the line is sub-severe with wind gusts between 25-35 mph,” the weather service said.
Winds were reported to be moving northeast at 60 mph and producing even more powerful wind gusts, WFAA-TV said around 5 a.m.
About three hours later, showers and isolated storms appeared to be moving past Plano.
As for the rest of the week, low storm chances return Friday night with another chance for rain starting Monday.
“[Friday storms] will be short-lived with a nice, warm, and breezy weekend setting up for all of North and Central Texas. Southeast winds will return under partly to mostly sunny skies and highs between 75 to 85 degrees each day with lows warming into the 60s once again by Sunday and Monday mornings,” the National Weather Service said. “A slower and stronger storm system arrives early next week with better rain and storm chances. It is too early at this time to assess any risk for severe weather early next week.”
This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 5:31 AM.
