Penny-sized hail expected with thunderstorms to hit North Texas Thursday
The National Weather Service issued a report at 10:10 a.m. on Thursday, warning residents of strong thunderstorms until 10:45 a.m. The alert is for Cooke, Grayson and Denton counties.
The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 30 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches).
"At 10:09 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 7 miles south of Lindsay, or 7 miles south of Gainesville, moving northeast at 35 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 the following locations:
• Gainesville around 10:15 a.m.
• Lake Kiowa around 10:20 a.m.
• Whitesboro and Collinsville around 10:35 a.m.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Dixie, Ethel, Tioga, Southmayd, Road Runner, Valley View, Lois, Sturgeon, Sadler, and Lake Ray Roberts this includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 480 and 502.
The NWS states, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."
This alert is in effect until 10:45 a.m.
How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
• To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
• If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
• Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait for 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back out.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
• Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
• Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
• If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between 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.
• Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.
Rainy weather driving tips
• Turn on headlights — Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
• 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.
• 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 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. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 May 30, 2024 at 10:24 AM with the headline "Penny-sized hail expected with thunderstorms to hit North Texas Thursday."