Severe Weather Strikes Texas, Hawaii Faces Flood Threat

DALLAS, Texas – Millions of residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex faced treacherous commutes Thursday morning as torrential rains and thunderstorms swept across the region, triggering flash flood warnings and hazardous driving conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood warnings for more than 4 million people in cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington, with the alerts remaining in effect until at least 8 a.m. CT.

A video shared from the Dallas-Fort Worth area showed vehicles navigating flooded roadways as the storm system intensified Wednesday evening. The severe weather is part of a larger system affecting more than 17 million people from eastern Texas to the lower Rio Grande Valley, with threats including tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, and hail.

“The main risks today are flash flooding, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes,” said FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin. “Residents in affected areas should stay alert and avoid traveling through flooded roads.”

Meanwhile, in Hawaii, the NWS issued a flood watch for all islands from Wednesday through Friday afternoon. Rainfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour are expected in some areas, raising concerns for landslides and additional flooding. The heavy rains come as the state continues to recover from Hurricane damage sustained four months ago.

In Texas, the severe weather follows a series of wildfires that devastated parts of the state earlier in the week. The largest blaze, the Crooked Creek Fire, consumed approximately 200 acres near the town of Bastrop, forcing evacuations. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that a shelter had been opened at a local church, though the number of evacuees remains unclear due to widespread destruction in the region.

As the storm system moves eastward, meteorologists warn of continued severe weather risks through Friday. Residents are urged to monitor local forecasts and heed safety advisories.