Thunderstorms with marble-sized hail to hit Erath and Hood counties Wednesday
A report from the NWS Fort Worth TX on Wednesday at 6:07 p.m. is warning residents of strong thunderstorms until 6:30 p.m.
The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 55 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches).
"At 6:06 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Bluff Dale, or 11 miles west of Granbury, moving southeast at 5 mph," states the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible."
The NWS adds, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle."
This alert is in effect until 6:30 p.m.
Actions 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 tips on how to stay 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 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 final lightning or thunder before heading outside again.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
• Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
• Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If in a forest, stay close to lower trees.
• 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.
What to do in the rain on the road?
• 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.
• Keep clear of puddles — Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
• Do not follow large vehicles closely — Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your 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 primarily caused by 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 July 17, 2024 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Thunderstorms with marble-sized hail to hit Erath and Hood counties Wednesday."