UPDATE: Severe thunderstorm warning active for North Texas Monday night

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On Monday at 8:13 p.m. an updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the NWS Fort Worth TX in effect until 9:15 p.m. The warning is for Collin, Hunt, Kaufman, Rains, Rockwall and Van Zandt counties.

The storms are packing wind gusts of up to 60 mph and tennis-ball-sized hail (2.5 inches).

"At 8:13 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Fate, or near Rockwall, moving east at 25 mph," says the NWS. "People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees."

Expect the thunderstorm to possibly affect following locations:

• Royse City around 8:20 p.m.
• Quinlan around 8:30 p.m.
• Lake Tawakoni around 8:35 p.m.
• Hawk Cove around 8:40 p.m.
• West Tawakoni around 8:45 p.m.
• East Tawakoni around 8:55 p.m.

Other locations impacted by this severe thunderstorm include Lone Oak, Alsa, Lake Ray Hubbard, Cash, Dixon, McLendon-Chisholm, Union Valley, and Nevada. This includes Interstate 30 between mile markers 65 and 89.

The NWS states, "For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows."

This warning is in effect until 9:15 p.m.

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Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform, and Esri.

Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent

Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.

Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:

• To decrease the risk of getting struck by lightning, when you go outside, establish a plan to reach a safer place.
• If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek 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:

• 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.
• If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
• 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.
• Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.

What to do in the rain on the road?

• 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.
• Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
• Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
• Steer clear of flooded areas - When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also 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. 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

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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 7:11 PM.