UPDATE: Weather alert affecting North Texas until 2 a.m. Sunday, says the NWS

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An updated report was issued from the NWS Fort Worth TX on Sunday at 12:57 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2 a.m. The alert is for Collin, Grayson, Fannin, Lamar, Hunt, Delta and Hopkins counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

"At 12:56 a.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Knollwood to near Bogata. Movement was south at 30 mph," says the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."

Expect strong thunderstorms in the following locations:

• Sherman, Bonham, Honey Grove, Bells, Savoy, Ector, Roxton, Dodd City, Knollwood, and Valley Lake around 1 a.m.
• Howe, Whitewright, Tom Bean, Dorchester, and Randolph around 1:10 a.m.
• Cooper, Big Creek Lake, and Sulphur Bluff around 1:15 a.m.
• Van Alstyne, Trenton, Cooper Lake, Klondike, and Cooper Lake State Park around 1:20 a.m.
• Leonard, Gunter, and Wolfe City around 1:25 a.m.
• Commerce, Anna, Celeste, and Saltillo around 1:35 a.m.
• Sulphur Springs, Melissa, and Lake Sulphur Springs around 1:40 a.m.
• McKinney, Celina, and Campbell around 1:45 a.m.

This includes Interstate 30 between mile markers 82 and 142.

Other impacted locations include Charleston, Westminster, Neylandville, Lake Creek, New Birthright, Ida, Ridgeway, Pacio, Nobility and Forest Hill.

The NWS comments, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle."

This alert is in effect until 2 a.m.

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 reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
• If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
• Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.

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.
• When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
• 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.
• Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.

Rainy weather driving tips

• 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.
• Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of 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 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. 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 July 5, 2026 at 1:03 AM.