North Texas faces a heightened risk of severe weather Tuesday evening into Wednesday as a strong storm system moves through the region, bringing threats of large hail and damaging winds.
The National Weather Service has placed parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding counties under a marginal risk of severe storms, with isolated strong-to-severe thunderstorms possible. Large hail and damaging winds will be the two main threats, with a non-zero tornado chance, according to CBS forecasters.
Storms could begin developing across western North Texas late Tuesday afternoon and evening, then spread eastward overnight.
The highest risk areas include Tarrant, Dallas, Denton, Collin, and Johnson counties, among others.
The National Weather Service office in Fort Worth noted in its latest hazardous weather outlook that additional storms may move in from the west overnight into Wednesday morning.
Forecasters warn that some storms could produce hailstones the size of golf balls or larger, along with straight-line winds strong enough to down trees and power lines.
While the overall tornado threat remains low, it cannot be entirely ruled out.
This marks one of the first notable severe weather threats of the spring season for North Texas. Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive alerts, including NOAA weather radios, and to review severe weather safety plans. The Storm Prediction Center and local meteorologists continue to monitor the situation closely, with the possibility of an upgrade to the risk level depending on how the atmosphere evolves through the day.
Drivers should slow down and increase following distance during heavy rain, while those in mobile or manufactured homes should identify a sturdy shelter in case warnings are issued. The system is expected to move out of the region by late Wednesday morning, allowing for a return to milder spring conditions later in the week.
Local emergency management officials recommend staying informed through official channels and preparing supplies in advance.