Fort Worth, Texas – Large hail and damaging wind gusts could disrupt the late afternoon commute along Interstate 35W and Interstate 20 by 4 p.m. Wednesday as severe storms develop across North Texas.
According to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, showers and thunderstorms are expected to form along and ahead of a stalled front Wednesday afternoon, then intensify as they move northeast through the evening. A few storms could become severe, producing hail up to 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts reaching 60 mph. The main window for stronger storms is from late afternoon through mid-evening.
Areas across Tarrant County, including Fort Worth, Arlington and surrounding communities near Loop 820 and I-30, face the greatest risk during peak travel hours. Storms developing south of the metro along US-287 and pushing toward the Dallas-Fort Worth corridor could rapidly strengthen. The exact placement of the front will determine which neighborhoods see the most intense activity.
Drivers should prepare for sudden downpours reducing visibility below one mile and strong crosswinds impacting high-profile vehicles. Secure outdoor furniture and park vehicles in covered areas to limit hail damage. Charge devices in advance in case isolated power outages occur.
While scattered showers may begin earlier in the day, the strongest storms are expected after 4 p.m. Wednesday and could linger until around 9 p.m. Additional watches or warnings may be issued with little notice as conditions evolve across North Texas.
