DFW Weather: PDS Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for North Texas

PDS Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued

• ⚠️ A PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for North Texas, a rare occurrence for this type of alert.
• ⚡ The watch is primarily for damaging straight-line winds of 70 to 80 mph, with potential for hail up to golf ball size.
• 🌪️ While not a tornado watch, the straight-line winds can be as damaging as an 80 mph tornado, and brief, weak tornadoes have already been confirmed.

Storm Tracking and Impact

• 📍 Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for Denton, Collin, and Hunt Counties, with expansion expected into Tarrant and Dallas Counties.
• 💨 These storms are moving southeast at approximately 55 mph, with measured gusts up to 56 mph in Little Elm.
• ⚡ Intense circulation has been observed near Bonham Airport, indicating a potential rain-wrapped tornado embedded within the storm line.

Safety Recommendations

• 🚨 Residents in the path of these storms, especially near Bonum, are urged to seek shelter immediately in their safe rooms.
• 🏠 Safe rooms should be on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior walls, with as many interior walls as possible between you and the outside.
• 💡 Due to the potential for rain-wrapped tornadoes and nighttime conditions, visibility of the tornado may be limited, making immediate shelter crucial.

Power Outages and Wind Reports

• 🔌 Reports indicate a significant portion of Fannin County is without power due to the storm's impact.
• 💨 Wind reports include 65 mph gusts in Denton County, though some velocity products currently show around 40-45 mph near Little Elm.