Residents in Texas and Oklahoma, particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, need to remain vigilant as powerful storms are expected to hit the southern Plains. According to the NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC), a derecho, which is a widespread, long-lived windstorm, could develop later today and into the night, with particularly high risks in North Texas and southern Oklahoma.
The SPC has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation Severe Thunderstorm (PDS) Watch for western and central Kansas, northwest Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle. This type of severe watch is issued infrequently, with only 25 instances since 2006, highlighting the potential severity of the storm. Winds gusting between 80 and 100 mph are anticipated, with widespread damage possible.
This worrying forecast follows a series of deadly storms that affected regions of Mississippi and Georgia, as well as destructive tornado activity in McAlester, Oklahoma. The SPC has elevated the severe weather threat level to Level 4 on its five-point scale for roughly 7.5 million people in major Texas cities including Dallas and Fort Worth, while more than 4 million residents in Oklahoma cities such as Oklahoma City are categorized under a Level 3 threat.
In addition to fierce winds, forecasters are warning of hail up to five inches in diameter, larger than a grapefruit. Supercell thunderstorms are forecasted for both states, which may evolve into a potentially intense mesoscale convective system. The combination of significant wind gusts and heavy rain may lead to hazardous conditions, emphasizing the need for people to stay informed about weather updates.
As communities prepare for the potential impact of these storms, local emergency services are gearing up to ensure the safety of residents and provide timely alerts. This proactive approach aims to minimize risks and keep the public safe during this severe weather event.