Severe weather sweeps through North Texas, bringing hail and heavy rain
Thursday is a First Alert Weather Day due to the threat of widespread heavy rain and strong to severe storms, some producing small hail and localized flooding.
A nationwide groundstop has also been implemented for flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport until 1 p.m., with the FAA expecting delays of up to 2 hours at DFW through 9 p.m.
Flash Flood Warnings are in place across North Texas in areas that have already picked up a few inches of rain.
Drivers are advised to exercise caution when traveling in these areas and not to attempt driving through water-covered roadways, as estimating the depth of the water can be very difficult.
Scattered showers are expected to develop in the western counties around sunrise and will move eastward throughout the morning.
Showers and storms will continue to increase in coverage as they head northeast around 40 mph.
The primary concern with severe storms is hail, which is expected to remain isolated.
This system is moving much faster than the one on Christmas Eve and dry conditions will return to DFW around 3 to 4 p.m.
The severe threat increases this afternoon as storms head into East Texas away from the Metroplex.
An isolated tornado can't be ruled out, but an enhanced risk southeast is the most favorable condition for tornados this afternoon.
Once the storms clear out this evening, quieter conditions will return to the area into the New Year.
Temperatures are are expected to climb to near 60 degrees this afternoon.
Once the storms pass, a stretch of quiet weather will follow.
Temperatures will warm up into the start of next week before a cold front late Monday drops temperatures back to seasonal averages.
A strong cold front is anticipated to bring seasonal highs for New Year's Eve.
