Severe weather is sweeping through North Texas, bringing hail and heavy rain

Thursday is an initial weather warning day as there is a risk of widespread heavy rainfall and strong to severe storms, some causing small hail and localized flooding.

A nationwide ground stop has also been implemented for flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport until 1 p.m., with the FAA expecting delays of up to 2 hours at DFW until 9 p.m

Flash flood warnings are in effect across North Texas for areas where several inches of rain have already fallen.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving in these areas and not attempt to drive through water-covered roads as estimating water depth can be very difficult.

Scattered showers are expected to develop in the western counties around sunrise, moving eastward during the morning.

Showers and storms will continue to increase as they move northeast at around 40 mph.

The main concern with severe storms is hail, which is expected to remain isolated.

This system is moving much faster than the one on Christmas Eve and dry conditions will return to DFW around 3-4 p.m

The serious threat increases this afternoon as storms move away from the Metroplex and into East Texas.

An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, but an increased risk across the Southeast is the most favorable condition for tornadoes this afternoon.

Once the storms ease this evening, calmer conditions will return to the region in the new year.

Temperatures are expected to rise to around 60 degrees this afternoon.

Once the storms pass, there will be a period of calm weather conditions.

Temperatures will warm through early next week before a cold front late Monday brings temperatures back to seasonal averages.

A strong cold front is expected to bring seasonal highs on New Year’s Eve.