Weather News

UPDATE: Nickel-sized hail expected with thunderstorms to hit Parker County Thursday

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The NWS Fort Worth TX issued an updated report at 4:40 p.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until 5:15 p.m. for Parker County.

Prepare for nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

"At 4:40 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Brock, or 7 miles west of Weatherford, moving southeast at 15 mph," says the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible."

Locations impacted by the alert include Weatherford, Brock, Western Lake, Horseshoe Bend, Millsap, Brock Junction, Dennis, Tin Top and Lake Granbury. This includes Interstate 20 between mile markers 395 and 408.

According to the NWS, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."

This alert is in effect until 5:15 p.m.

Weather Watches and Warnings

Live, real-time data from the National Weather Service showing official weather watches, warnings, and advisories. Tap or click a highlighted area for details.

Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform, and Esri.
Map by Steve Wilson swilson@star-telegram.com

How to react when facing a lightning hazard?

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 indoors, avoid touching 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:

  • Stay away from open fields, hill summits, 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 in a group, disperse to prevent the current from passing between group members.
  • If you are camping in an open setting, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low spot. Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you 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

  • Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
  • While on the road - Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
  • Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing 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 is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding 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 top three contributors to hydroplaning are:

  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 May 28, 2026 at 2:22 PM.

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