Thunderstorm Wind in Swisher County, Texas

A Texas Tech University West Texas mesonet site near Vigo Park measured severe wind gusts from 0133 CST through 0142 CST. A peak wind gust of 78 mph was measured at 0133 CST. Additionally, an NWS cooperative weather observer reported several irrigation center pivots that were overturned. Numerous power poles were also blown down near the area.

A strong upper level low pressure system moving across the southwestern United States into the four-corners region brought ample lift to create scattered thunderstorms late in the afternoon of the 21st. Thunderstorms initially developed across eastern New Mexico by mid-afternoon in response to the approaching upper level system and moderate boundary layer instability. These thunderstorms moved into the extreme southwestern Texas Panhandle late in the afternoon producing large hail up to two inches in diameter and several severe wind gusts. Hail up to two inches in diameter in Dimmitt destroyed numerous car windshields. Several gustnadoes were observed along the leading edge of activity as it tracked across the area. Increasing low level shear, due to a low level jet, interacted with the inflow to a thunderstorm east of Dimmitt (Castro County) producing a brief tornado in an open field. Although storms were moving quickly during the late afternoon through early evening, repeated rounds of storms created flash flooding in and around Dimmitt and flooding in isolated other locations.