At 12:37 a.m. Friday, the National Weather Service issued an updated severe weather warning that is in effect until 1 a.m. for Collin, Fannin and Hunt counties.

The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph (96 km/h) and hailstones the size of golf balls (4.4 cm).

“As of 12:37 a.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Leonard, 15 miles south of Bonham, moving southeast at 25 mph,” according to the NWS. “People and animals outside will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.”

Places affected by the warning include Greenville, Leonard, Wolfe City, Celeste, Trenton, Randolph, Greenville City Lakes, Blue Ridge, Ladonia, Bailey, Neylandville, Kellogg, Frognot, Kingston, Nobility, Fairlie, Ely, South Sulphur, Gober and Westminster.

The NWS comments: “For your protection, stay in sturdy buildings and stay away from windows.”

This warning is valid until 1am

What to do if lightning strikes threaten?

There are about 25 million lightning strikes in the United States each year, most of them during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes cause about 20 fatalities annually. The likelihood of lightning strikes increases as a thunderstorm approaches, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.

Here are recommendations for staying safe during a thunderstorm:

• To reduce the risk of lightning strikes, develop a plan to reach a safer location when outdoors.

• If the skies become threatening and thunder is heard, seek safe shelter.

• Do not touch corded telephones, electrical appliances, cables, windows and doors in the building.

• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before venturing outside.

If it is not possible to find shelter in a building:

• Stay away from open fields, hilltops and ridges.

• Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If you are in a forest, stay in areas with lower tree cover.

• If you are in a group, disperse to prevent the power from jumping between group members.

• If you are camping in the wild, choose a campsite in a valley, ravine or low-lying area. Remember that tents do not provide protection from lightning strikes.

• Keep a safe distance from water, wet objects and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, but they conduct electricity efficiently.

What steps should be taken when driving in the rain?

• Turn on your headlights – Even when it’s bright outside, using your headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.

• On the road – Drive in the middle lanes and stay on elevated surfaces. Rainwater often collects on the sides of the road.

• Stay away from puddles – Driving through puddles or areas with low rainwater can cause vehicles to float or spin out of control

• Do not drive too close to large vehicles. Trucks or buses can cause water spray that obscures visibility.

• Avoid flooded areas – If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and back away. Flash floods are powerful and can knock drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

What is aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on a wet road.

This happens when water builds up in front of the tire faster than the weight of the vehicle can push it out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and skid on a thin layer of water between the tire and the road, causing the driver to lose control. The three main causes of hydroplaning are:

1. Vehicle speed – As the speed of a vehicle increases, the grip of the tires and the ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at reduced speeds in wet weather.

2. Water depth – The deeper the water, the faster a vehicle will lose traction. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can cause hydroplaning.

3. Tire tread depth – It is important to check tire tread before hitting the road as low or no tread can cause skidding.

If your vehicle experiences aquaplaning, here's what you should know:

• Release the accelerator pedal – Release the accelerator to slow the vehicle until the tires gain traction.

• Spin into a skid – Spin into a skid can help realign the vehicle’s tires to regain control.

• Make sure the tires are back in contact with the road – During a skid, wait until the tires are back in contact with the road and then carefully straighten the wheels to regain control.

• Brake gently when necessary – brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock braking systems and pump the brakes gently if it is an older vehicle.

Source: National Weather Service