Dallas, Texas – Strong thunderstorms are sweeping across North and East Texas Sunday evening, with wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail, and frequent lightning expected in dozens of counties, including Dallas, Tyler, and Longview.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 397 remains in effect until 9 p.m. CDT and includes 53 counties from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to deep East Texas. The primary threats are damaging straight-line winds, quarter-size hail, and isolated power outages.
Tarrant, Denton, Collin, and Dallas counties are all under alert, along with Gregg, Smith, and Nacogdoches counties. Drivers on I-20, I-30, and U.S. 69 should prepare for reduced visibility and sudden downpours. Emergency officials recommend securing loose outdoor items, charging devices, and avoiding unnecessary travel this evening.
Communities from Sherman and Paris to Athens and Mount Pleasant could see storms intensify through sunset. Outdoor events across the region are at risk of cancellation or delays.
Storms are expected to weaken after 9 p.m., though additional watches or warnings could be issued if conditions worsen.
