The National Weather Service issued a report at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 5:15 a.m. The alert is for Wise, Denton, Parker, Tarrant and Johnson counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 4:30 a.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Paradise to 7 miles south of Aledo. Movement was east at 40 mph,” according to the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Expect strong thunderstorms in the following locations:

• Aurora, Boyd, White Settlement, Lake Worth, Pecan Acres, Eagle Mountain, New Fairview, Fort Worth, Briar, and Benbrook around 4:35 a.m.

• Edgecliff Village, Haslet, Sansom Park, Crowley, River Oaks, and Saginaw around 4:40 a.m.

• Burleson, Edgecliff, Rendon, Blue Mound, and Everman around 4:45 a.m.

• Justin, Kennedale, North Richland Hills, Haltom City, Forest Hill, and Watauga around 4:50 a.m.

• Denton, Roanoke, Keller, Richland Hills, Northlake, Arlington, Mansfield, and Hurst around 4:55 a.m.

• Flower Mound, Bartonville, Pantego, Euless, Corral City, Colleyville, Bedford, Trophy Club, Argyle, and Southlake around 5 a.m.

• Grand Prairie and Grapevine around 5:05 a.m.

Other impacted locations include Lake Arlington, Keeter, Westlake, Stony, Ponder, Benbrook Lake, Lake Worth, Westover Hills, Lakeside and Newark. This includes the following highways: Interstate 35 between mile markers 468 and 474. Interstate 35W between mile markers 37 and 85. Interstate 35E between mile markers 461 and 466. Interstate 20 between mile markers 416 and 452. Interstate 30 between mile markers 1 and 30.

According to the NWS, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the NWS. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.

• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.

• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.

• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.

• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.

• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.

• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.

• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.

• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the NWS to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Source: The National Weather Service