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Severe Storms Raging Through The Southern Plains

April 23, 2019
UPDATED By WeatherBug's Chris Sayles
Severe storms will continue to threaten the Southwest and Southern Plains as a streak of stormy weather continues to make its way eastward.

A strong cold front is moving slowly through western Texas and eastern New Mexico. This front, along with low-level moisture streaming westward from the Gulf of Mexico, has triggered Severe Thunderstorm watches in the northwestern corner of Texas. These storms will last well into the evening and overnight hours. Roswell, Carlsbad and Hobbs, N.M., along with Lubbock and Midland, Texas, will have to keep an eye on the storm threat. A few stronger storms are possible as far east as Wichita Falls.

Damaging gusts of wind up to 55 or 60 mph and hail the size of quarters or even golf balls are the biggest concerns this evening into tonight, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

For perspective, wind gusts of 55 or 60 mph can uproot trees, snap off branches, and result in sporadic power outages. Hail the size of quarters and golf balls can damage crops and vehicles, and injure any pets left outdoors.

Another round of strong storms is likely in the central part of Texas Tuesday afternoon and evening, with San Angelo, Abilene and Dallas having the greatest risk.

Then on Wednesday, the severe storm risk will shift only slightly east and south to include San Antonio, Austin and Victoria.

Just yesterday, several intense storms brought high winds to eastern Colorado and northwestern Kansas, and this was the same front that will move slowly through Texas.

Be sure to understand the difference between a weather watch and a warning. A watch means that an area is being monitored for dangerous weather. A warning means that dangerous weather is imminent.

Keep in mind that lightning is one of Mother Nature's most dangerous killers. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning, even if the sun is shining.