In This Month: Thunderstorms

In the last decade, the month of June has become a popular month for severe weather across North Texas. Following our Waterways series, In This Month, this blog post looks at previous June weather trends, like intense heat and severe thunderstorms, and shares best practices for staying safe.

According to the National Weather Service, June weather in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) tends to be filled with warm weather, thunderstorms and the occasional appearance of hail and tornados.

• In June of 2011, DFW ranked among the warmest areas of Texas, with the temperature reaching 97.6° F.
• In June of 2012, DFW experienced a severe storm that brought large hail and a tornado.
• In June of 2013, we saw large hail and a tornado, again!
• In June of 2019, many areas across North Texas were also impacted by severe storms with damaging wind amidst high 80° and 90° temperatures.
• Just last week, we experienced a severe thunderstorm, that brought baseball-sized hail to parts of North Texas and caused the National Weather Service to issue a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of North and Central Texas.

While every June brings its own set of playing cards, there are things you can do to prepare. Below is a list of recommendations from the American Red Cross to help you stay safe during a severe storm.

• When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors. When you hear thunder, seek shelter inside a sturdy building and, if possible, move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Remember, no place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.
• Turn The Car Around! Flash-flooding happens quickly. Just one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Always seek higher ground.
• Prevent Injuries. Steer clear of fallen power lines, poles or wires, as they can electrocute you. If you see any structural damage, report it to local authorities. If you’re indoors, avoid using devices that are connected to electrical outlets and avoid running water, as lightning can travel through electric outlets and water.
• Take Care of Yourself. It’s normal to experience stress or anxiety during severe weather events. Properly preparing for storms and staying indoors as they pass through is the best way to stay safe. If you need to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline during a storm, call or text 1-800-985-5990.

For more information about remaining safe during a severe storm, read the National Weather Service’s severe thunderstorm safety rules. The American Red Cross also has an Emergency Alerts app where you can receive regional alerts during severe storms.

For timely, regional weather updates, we encourage you to also follow IFCD 3 on Facebook and Twitter!