The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has placed North and Central Texas on alert with a hazardous weather outlook and a reinforced flood watch through late tonight. Residents in these areas are warned to brace themselves for a concoction of severe thunderstorms and potential flooding, with the Trinity River at Dallas forecasted to swell past flood stage late tonight, spilling into tomorrow morning, as per the National Weather Service.

With storms threatening to unleash their fury after 1 pm today, there is a "50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms," according to the National Weather Service. While they may bring gusty winds reaching up to 20 mph, it is the "new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms" that stirs unease.

The flood watch, persisting until late tonight, serves as a warning that "flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible," specific to large swathes of north-central and northeast Texas. Forecasters are concerned that the stormy weather pattern will not relent until Saturday, with a "20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 am," as mentioned in the original forecast from the Hazardous Weather Outlook.

As the waters rise, the Flood Warning issued for the Trinity River at Dallas reflects the urgency, with the current stage at 25.3 feet and an expected crest of 32.7 feet. This minor flooding is set to impact agricultural lands and could inundate low-water crossings near the river. The Hazardous Weather Outlook advises caution, urging those near riverbanks to take heed and noting that "Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks."

Looking ahead toward Memorial Day, reassurance glimmers with a forecast of sunny skies and a high near 89 degrees. But for now, the focus remains squarely on the imminent rainfall and its potential impact, with Dallas and its surrounding counties preparing for what Mother Nature has in the offing.