Severe Weather Threatens Heartland as Tornado Risk Rises A major severe weather outbreak is intensifying across the central United States, with life-threatening tornadoes now possible as the storm system moves into its most dangerous phase. The National Weather Service has upgraded flash flood threats to considerable levels, warning that heavy rainfall has already caused widespread flooding in Texas, particularly in Dallas County. Emergency management officials report multiple water rescues and road closures as the situation worsens. In Dallas County, flash flooding has submerged sections of Interstate 20 near Dallas, Texas, creating hazardous conditions for drivers. Traffic cameras captured footage of tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles attempting to navigate through standing floodwaters, highlighting the danger faced by motorists. Reports indicate that several cars have been stranded in water near Hillside Village and Uptown in Cedar Hill, while water has entered apartments in Desoto due to relentless downpours. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for Dallas County, urging residents to avoid flooded roads and move to higher ground. The warning emphasizes that dangerous flooding is either occurring or imminent, with additional rain expected to fall between 1 and 2 inches. Roads remain closed in parts of Rowlett and Mesquite, and the warning is in effect until 8:30 p.m. CST. Severe thunderstorms are also sweeping across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Watch that covers over 9 million people. The Storm Prediction Center’s watch, which is the first of 2026, marks the end of a 101-day gap without such alerts—a record-long stretch since November 2025. The watch includes the potential for tornadoes, scattered hail, and wind gusts exceeding 70 mph.#national_weather_service #texas #storm_prediction_center #dallas_county
Dallas Weather: Severe Storms and Flooding Impact North Texas A series of severe storms struck North Texas on Wednesday, causing significant damage and flooding across Dallas County and surrounding areas. Heavy rainfall led to building collapses, road closures, and widespread flash flooding, prompting multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood alerts. Updates from FOX 4’s David Sentendrey and meteorologists highlighted the intensity of the weather system, which brought dangerous conditions including hail, high winds, and life-threatening flooding. The storm system began affecting the region in the early evening, with severe thunderstorm warnings issued for several counties. By 5:10 p.m., a severe thunderstorm warning was in effect for Dallas County and Tarrant County, with the storm expected to move through areas ranging from Lakeland Heights to Euless. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and hail the size of quarters were possible, while flash flooding was reported in southern Dallas County, including DeSoto. A roof collapse in Garland added to the crisis, with officials confirming the incident was weather-related. Water buildup on the roof caused the structure to collapse, prompting emergency responders to arrive at the scene. Similar damage was reported in Alvarado, where severe flooding was observed, and in Garland, where heavy rainfall continued to pelt the region. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of North Texas starting at 4:40 p.m., covering over 20 counties. The watch included areas such as Collin County, Rockwall County, and Parker County, with warnings of significant threats to property and life. A flash flood warning was also active for Tarrant County, Dallas County, and Rockwall County, emphasizing the danger of rising water levels.#national_weather_service #fox_4 #dallas_county #tarrant_county #rockwall_county
Flash flood warnings continue into early Thursday morning as storms leave North Texas Severe thunderstorms lingered across the metroplex Wednesday evening, stalled along a frontal boundary, prompting ongoing flash flood alerts. Residents in areas that received the heaviest rainfall should exercise caution when driving Thursday morning, particularly on roads that may remain flooded overnight. A flash flood warning remains in effect for Van Zandt County until 2 a.m. Thursday, with life-threatening conditions expected in parts of the county. Affected areas include Canton, Wills Point, Edgewood, Fruitvale, Lake Tawakoni, Myrtle Springs, Wise, and Alsa. Dallas County is also under a flash flood warning through 1:45 a.m. Thursday, covering portions of Kauffman and Rockwall counties. The most significant flooding risk persists in southwestern Dallas County, where 3 to 5 inches of rain have already fallen, with an additional 2 to 3 inches anticipated. Emergency responders have reported multiple vehicles stranded in floodwaters, including instances requiring water rescues. A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hood, Hopkins, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Lamar, Parker, Rains, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise counties, extending until 11 p.m. In Garland, a warehouse roof collapsed under the weight of heavy rain around 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the Garland Fire Department. No injuries were reported in the incident. A brief reprieve from severe weather is expected Thursday, with daytime highs rising into the 80s before storms return Friday afternoon, evening, and night. These storms carry a risk of hail and tornadoes.#van_zandt_county #dallas_county #canton #wills_point #garland
