Tornado in Pecos County, Texas

A thunderstorm produced a tornado to the west of Highway 67 in Pecos County about 17 miles northeast of Fort Stockton. Given the proximity to the highway, many storm spotters were able to identify and photograph this tornado. Based upon eyewitness reports, videos, and radar data, this tornado tracked northeastward for two and a half miles and was estimated to have lasted around ten minutes. Due to the rural nature of this tornado and lack of access to damage indicators, this tornado was rated EF-Unknown with unknown peak wind speeds. The path width is also unknown.

A strong upper level low pressure system moved across Nevada and Utah. Very moist air was across most of West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. High instability and wind shear were also present. An upper level disturbance had moved over the area which provided additional lift. During the afternoon and evening hours, numerous severe thunderstorms developed across Southeast New Mexico and the Trans Pecos and moved across the Stockton Plateau and the Permian Basin. These storms produced multiple tornadoes, very large hail, heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding, and damaging winds.