Dallas, TX – Nearly 9 million residents across West Central Texas are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 8 a.m. Thursday, with large hail and damaging wind gusts posing significant threats.
According to the National Weather Service in Abilene/San Angelo, storms may produce hail as large as tennis balls and wind gusts reaching 60 miles per hour. The watch zone includes major population centers such as Dallas, Abilene, San Angelo, Wichita Falls, and McKinney. Frequent lightning is also possible across the region.
Officials urge residents to seek shelter indoors if warnings are issued and to secure outdoor property that may be damaged by hail or wind. Power outages and minor structural damage are possible, especially in areas with older infrastructure. The storm system may also lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas.
The watch affects an area with approximately 8.7 million people, over 2,700 schools, and nearly 180 hospitals. Drivers should avoid travel during high wind periods, particularly along I-20 and I-35 corridors.
This system is unseasonably strong for early April. Residents are advised to monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local media for updates and be prepared to act quickly should conditions worsen.
