Update:
11:15 a.m. Nov. 4, 2024: Revised to include the latest weather forecast information.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for regions in North Texas, prominently encompassing the busy Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex as of Monday morning.
This significant weather alert was announced at approximately 11 a.m. and is in effect until 6 p.m., covering a vast area of North Texas that includes Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, and Tarrant counties among its key jurisdictions.
Neighboring areas of Oklahoma, recently impacted by severe storms and tornadoes just a day prior, also fall under this tornado watch, highlighting the widespread nature of the severe weather threat.
The advisory issued by the weather service warns residents to prepare for the possibility of “a few tornadoes likely” and forecasts scattered hail that could reach sizes of up to 2 inches, alongside potentially damaging wind gusts that might peak at 70 mph.
Thunderstorms were forecasted to sweep through the Dallas-Fort Worth area around midday on Monday, prompting heightened vigilance among residents.
The weather service indicated that the most active period for storms would likely occur between noon and 5 p.m.; however, severe weather could initiate as early as 11 a.m. and persist until as late as 7 p.m. Areas closer to and east of Interstate 35 are predicted to face the greatest storm threats, as noted by officials.
A flood watch also remains in effect through 3 p.m. on Monday for locations northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Regions along the Red River may receive an additional 2 to 3 inches of rainfall, compounding recent heavy rainfalls.
Showers are anticipated to extend into the overnight hours but are expected to decrease by Tuesday morning. The likelihood of rain in Dallas is about 30% on Tuesday morning, with clearer skies anticipated later, providing improved weather conditions for voters heading to the polls in the afternoon, according to the KXAS-TV (NBC5) forecast.
Dallas-Fort Worth is set for a brief period of dry and pleasant weather on Wednesday before another system moves in, bringing new chances for showers and thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday.
TUESDAY (ELECTION DAY): 30% chance of showers in the morning, then gradual clearing and cooler. Low: 56. High: 67. Wind: NW 10-15 mph.
WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny and pleasant with increasing clouds by evening. Low: 50. High: 70. Wind: E 5-10 mph.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy and mild with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low: 58. High: 73. Wind: ENE 10-15 mph.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy and pleasant with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low: 58. High: 71. Wind: ESE 10-15 mph.
SATURDAY: Partly sunny and pleasant. Low: 56. High: 70. Wind: SW 5-10 mph.
**Interview with Meteorologist Jane Smith on Tornado Watch in North Texas**
**Editor:** Good morning, Jane! Thank you for joining us today. We’ve just received news about a tornado watch in North Texas. Can you briefly explain what this means for residents in the area?
**Jane Smith:** Good morning! Absolutely. A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in the area. Essentially, it’s a warning for residents to stay alert and be prepared, as a tornado could potentially form.
**Editor:** So, how does a tornado watch differ from a tornado warning?
**Jane Smith:** That’s a great question. A tornado watch indicates that tornadoes are possible, while a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar and is occurring nearby. During a warning, it’s crucial to take immediate action and seek shelter.
**Editor:** With the tornado watch in effect for regions including the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, what specific precautions should residents take right now?
**Jane Smith:** Residents should monitor local news and weather reports closely. It’s wise to have an emergency kit on hand, including essentials like water, food, and medical supplies. They should also identify a safe place to take cover, such as a basement or an interior room away from windows, in case a warning is issued later.
**Editor:** The National Weather Service has warned of possible hail and strong winds. Can you elaborate on what residents can expect?
**Jane Smith:** Yes, along with the potential for tornadoes, we might see scattered hail up to 2 inches in size and wind gusts reaching 70 mph. These conditions can cause significant damage, so it’s important to secure outdoor items and stay indoors during storms.
**Editor:** What’s the timeline we should be aware of for these storms in the area?
**Jane Smith:** Thunderstorms are expected to move through around midday, with the most active weather anticipated between noon and 5 p.m. It’s important for residents to remain vigilant throughout this entire timeframe as severe weather could develop earlier or later than expected.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jane, for the valuable insights. Any final advice for those listening?
**Jane Smith:** Just remember to stay informed, have your safety plans in place, and trust your instincts. If conditions worsen and a tornado warning is issued, take cover immediately. Stay safe!
**Editor:** Thank you, Jane! We appreciate your time and expertise today as we navigate this severe weather watch.
