An updated weather warning issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 9:08 p.m. warns residents of strong thunderstorms until 9:45 p.m. The warning applies to Jack, Wise, Palo Pinto, Parker and Tarrant counties.
Wind gusts of up to 60 km/h and nickel-sized hail are expected.
“At 9:07 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 10 miles east of Graford, or 10 miles north of Mineral Wells, moving east at 10 miles per hour,” the NWS said. “Gusty winds may knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
The NWS notes, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter in a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect for north central Texas until 10 p.m.”
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. Most strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. The chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It decreases as the storm clears.
Here are tips for staying safe during a thunderstorm:
• To minimize the risk of lightning strikes, when you go outside, make a plan to get to a safer place.
• If the sky becomes threatening and thunder is heard, 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 last lightning or thunder before going outside again.
If finding shelter indoors is not an option:
• Avoid open fields, hilltops or ridges.
• Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If you are in a forest, stick to areas with shorter tree cover.
• If you are in a group, spread out to prevent current from traveling between group members.
• If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. Remember that a tent does not provide protection against lighting.
• Keep away from water, wet objects and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, but they are excellent conductors of electricity.
What steps should you follow when driving in the rain?
• Turn on headlights — Even during the day, using headlights can improve visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
• 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 through puddles or areas with little rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or go out of control.
• Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles — Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that obscures visibility.
• Stay away from flooded areas — When you come to a flooded road, turn around and go back. Flash flood flows are strong and can sweep motorists off the road. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is aquaplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably 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 biggest contributors to 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. While skidding, wait for the tires to contact the road again and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
• Brake gently if necessary: brake normally if the vehicle has an anti-lock braking system and pump brakes gently if it is an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
