The National Weather Service issued a weather warning at 8:34 PM on Saturday, warning residents of strong thunderstorms until 9 PM. The warning applies to Montague, Cooke and Wise counties.
Wind gusts of up to 60 km/h and nickel-sized hail are expected.
“At 8:34 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Sunset or near Bowie moving east at 40 mph,” the NWS said. “Gusty winds may knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
The NWS adds, “If you are outdoors, consider seeking shelter in a building. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. for north central Texas. A Tornado Watch also remains in effect until 11 p.m. for north central Texas.”
This warning applies until 9 p.m
What to do if the lightning threat approaches?
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 some suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:
• To reduce the risk of lightning strikes, when you go outside, develop a plan to get to a safer place.
• If the sky becomes threatening and thunder becomes audible, 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:
• 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.
• When in a group, maintain sufficient distance to avoid transmission of current between individuals.
• 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.
• 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 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 in puddles or low areas with rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or spin out of control.
• Give large vehicles enough space. Trucks or buses can create a water spray that reduces 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. Aquaplaning is mainly caused by three factors:
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
