Prepare for strong thunderstorms in Tarrant and Dallas counties Wednesday afternoon

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.

The NWS Fort Worth TX issued a report at 1:50 p.m. on Wednesday for strong thunderstorms until 2:30 p.m. for Tarrant and Dallas counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

"At 1:50 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Wilmer to near Benbrook. Movement was north at 25 mph," explains the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."

Expect strong thunderstorms in the following locations:

• Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Duncanville, Balch Springs, Benbrook, Seagoville, and Forest Hill around 1:55 p.m.
• White Settlement and Westworth Village around 2 p.m.
• Irving, Haltom City, Richland Hills, River Oaks, and Sunnyvale around 2:05 p.m.
• Euless, Bedford, Hurst, Saginaw, Highland Park, Sansom Park, Lake Worth, and North Richland Hills around 2:10 p.m.
• Garland, University Park, Eagle Mountain, Blue Mound, Dallas Love Field, and DFW Intl Airport around 2:15 p.m.

Other impacted locations include Lake Arlington, Joe Pool Lake, Mountain Creek Lake, Sand Branch, Westlake, Benbrook Lake, Lake Worth, Lakeside, Westover Hills and White Rock Lake. This includes the following highways: Interstate 35W between mile markers 38 and 67. Interstate 35E between mile markers 412 and 444. Interstate 20 between mile markers 423 and 485. Interstate 30 between mile markers 2 and 64. Interstate 45 between mile markers 268 and 284.

The NWS adds, "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."

This alert is in effect until 2:30 p.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 turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
• Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back 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, solitary trees or other elevated structures. When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
• If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling 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.
• Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.

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.
• Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
• Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
• Avoid flooded areas - When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively 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. The three main causes of 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

United Robots Fort Worth

This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 1:56 PM.