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The warning was issued for Parker, Jack and Palo Pinto counties.
“The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits. Therefore the warning will be allowed to expire. However small hail is still possible with this thunderstorm. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 2 a.m. for north central Texas,” says the NWS Fort Worth TX.
The warning is in effect until 1 a.m.
Weather Watches and WarningsLive, 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.comActions to take when lightning threat is imminent
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 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 for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
- Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If you are in a forest, stick to areas with shorter tree cover.
- 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.
- Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.
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.
- 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.
- 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 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM.