A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 8:40 p.m. The warning applies to Cooke, Jack, Montague and Wise counties.
The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour and hail the size of half dollars.
“At 8:40 p.m., a severe thunderstorm occurred near Newport, or 14 miles west of Bowie, moving east at 45 mph,” the NWS said. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.”
The following locations may be affected by the thunderstorm:
• Nieuwpoort around 8.45 pm
• Lake Amon G Carter around 8:50 p.m
• Bowie around 8:55 p.m
• Sunset around 9:00 PM
Other locations affected by this severe thunderstorm include Prairie Point, Rosston, Greenwood, Mallard, Slidell, Leo, Fruitland, Park Springs, Montague and Postoak.
The NWS notes: “A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 9:00 PM for north central Texas. A Tornado Watch also remains in effect until 11:00 PM for north central Texas. For your protection, go inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows.”
This warning applies until 9:45 PM
Measures to be taken if there is a threat of lightning
Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. The majority of these strikes occur during the summer, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches, reaching its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm dissipates.
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:
• To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, whenever you go outside, make a plan to get to a safer area.
• If the sky becomes ominous and you hear thunder, find a safe place to take shelter.
• Once inside, avoid contact with landline telephones, electrical equipment, plumbing and windows and doors.
• Wait 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before going outside.
If finding shelter indoors is not an option:
• Stay away from open fields, hilltops or ridges.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower tree trunk.
• If you are in a group, fan out to avoid transmitting power between members.
• If you are camping in an open area, choose a campsite in a valley, ravine or low area. Please note that tents do not provide protection against lightning.
• Maintain a safe distance from water, wet objects and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, but they still conduct electricity efficiently.
What steps should you follow when driving in the rain?
• Turn on your headlights — Even when it’s light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
• On Road — Drive in the center lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate along the edges of roads.
• Stay away from puddles — Driving in puddles or low areas with rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or spin out of control.
• Do not drive too closely behind large vehicles. Trucks or buses can spray a jet of water that obstructs visibility.
• Avoid flooded areas — If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and head back. The powerful currents of flash floods can keep motorists off the roads. Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is aquaplaning?
Hydroplaning is the term for the uncontrolled sliding of a vehicle on wet roads.
This happens when water builds up in front of the tire faster than the weight of the vehicle can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide over a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, causing the driver to lose control. The three main causes of aquaplaning are:
1. Vehicle Speed — As a vehicle’s speed increases, the tires’ grip and ability to control the vehicle decrease. Drive at a lower speed in wet weather.
2. Water Depth — The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. No matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to aquaplaning.
3. Tire Tread Depth — It’s important to check the tread on your tires before hitting the road because low or no tread can lead to sliding.
If your vehicle is hydroplaning, here’s what you need to know:
• Release the accelerator — Release the accelerator to slow the vehicle until the tires find traction.
• Spinning — Going into a skid allows the vehicle’s tires to realign to regain control.
• Make sure the tires are back in contact with the road — When skidding, wait for the tires to make contact with the road again, then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
• Brake gently if necessary — Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock braking system and pump brakes gently if it is an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
