Weather alert in place for Dallas County Sunday afternoon, says the NWS

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A weather alert was issued by the NWS Fort Worth TX on Sunday at 2:48 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:15 p.m. for Dallas County.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

"At 2:48 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Garland. This storm was nearly stationary," says the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."

Expect strong thunderstorms in Garland and Rowlett around 2:55 p.m.

Other locations impacted by this storm include Lake Ray Hubbard. This includes Interstate 30 between mile markers 54 and 64.

The NWS adds, "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. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. for north central Texas."

This alert is in effect until 3:15 p.m.

Weather Watches and Warnings

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

What to do as threat of lightning approaches?

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 minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
• If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
• Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, 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.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of 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.
• Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.

What steps to follow when driving in the rain?

• 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.
• Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
• Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers 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 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

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This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 2:53 PM.