As heavy rain and thunderstorms rumble across the South, a swath of Northeastern Texas has been placed on alert for flooding.
Flood Watches and Flash Flood Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) across portions of 16 counties in total, including Dallas.
The heaviest rain is expected through mid-morning on Thursday, with residents in affected areas being advised to take extra precautions when traveling.
Why It Matters
Heavy rain and flash flooding are expected to cause travel disruptions and hazardous conditions on highways.
Flash flooding can be particularly dangerous—the NWS is advising anyone who encounters one while driving to turn around, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
What to Know
Flood Watches are in place for Red River, Lamar, Fannin, Grayson, Delta and Denton, and portions of Collin, Hunt and Tarrant counties.
Flash flood warnings are in place in Bosque, Hill, Johnson, Ellis, Kaufman, Dallas, Rockwall, as well as parts of Collin, Hunt and Tarrant counties.
Warnings are in place until at least midday Thursday in most areas, with 2 to 4 inches of rain expected. Isolated areas may receive as much as 7 inches.
The NWS advises people in affected areas to use extra caution at low water crossings and in areas of poor drainage. Commuters may need to allow extra time to get to work to find safe routes.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather chief on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno said in a statement: “Thunderstorms are expected to explode over northern Texas late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Expect very heavy rain, lightning and flash flooding as these storms push east. These storms could spin up several tornadoes Thursday afternoon in parts of southern Arkansas and across Louisiana.”
The NWS Fort Worth said in a post on X on Wednesday: “Heavy rain will impact much of the region tonight into Thursday with 1-3″ expected. A Flood Watch covers the Metroplex into Northeast Texas where isolated totals of 5-7″ will be possible. Some severe storms may also occur, particularly across Central Texas.”
Increasing shower and thunderstorm activity is underway and is expected to continue into the late evening across portions of northern Texas and southeast Oklahoma which results in an increasing risk of flash flooding through 0630Z. https://t.co/ZtbbE3d2rt
— National Weather Service (@NWS) January 30, 2025
What Happens Next
The line of thunderstorms causing the severe weather is expected to push eastward though the morning, exiting the region later on Thursday.
As Texas heads into the weekend, temperatures will climb to well above normal for the time of year. Highs in the low 80 degrees Fahrenheit with sunny skies and southerly winds will settle in by Sunday.
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