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Dangerous Storms Slam South Texas and Mid-South

May 26, 2020
By WeatherBug Sr. Meteorologist, Chad Merrill
The holiday weekend is ending with a rash of dangerous weather across the Plains and Mid-South.

A stalled cold front is providing the catalyst for dangerous evening storms to unfold in parts of Texas and the Mid-South to Missouri Valley. Warm, humid 70s and 80s in the eastern Plains are clashing with cooler 50s and 60s in the western Plains to foster thunderstorm development. 

Big storms will continue to slide north into southwest Missouri. Besides the severe risk, repeated showers and thunderstorms will lead to flash flooding. Never cross a flooded roadway as the water is usually deeper than what it appears. 

A Tornado Watch is in effect for eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, including Fayetteville and Fort Smith. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for southwest Missouri, including Joplin.

Another problem spot overnight is southern Texas. A combination of earlier day sunshine, low pressure pushing east from New Mexico and a dry line separating humid air from much drier air is leading to widespread storm development near Del Rio and San Antonio. As the night unfolds, additional storms could pound Laredo and McAllen, Texas. 

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for south Texas, including Del Rio and San Antonio.

Fortunately, the threat for severe weather will end later Tuesday morning in Texas as low pressure careens into the Gulf of Mexico. Repeated showers and thunderstorms will still be a problem child though in the eastern Plains to Missouri Valley. 

Tonight’s storms have a history of damage. Storms produced power outages and downed large tree limbs in Pulaski, Ark. Hail larger than ping pong balls pelted Roma, Texas while a possible tornado produced damage near Mendon, Mo.

Make sure you know the difference between a watch and warning should they be issued. A watch means that severe weather conditions are possible, and you should be aware of rapidly changing skies. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you should take cover immediately. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”