Thunderstorm Wind in Parmer County, Texas

A Texas Tech University West Texas mesonet site near Friona measured severe wind gusts from 1537 CST through 1542 CST. A peak wind gust of 63 mph was measured at 1537 CST. Additionally, local broadcast media relayed a report of a wooden light pole snapped at the athletic fields in Friona.

Very hot temperatures on the afternoon of the 14th combined with mid-level moisture to create numerous high-based thunderstorms. The lowest levels of the atmosphere were very dry which allowed for most of the rainfall to evaporate before reaching the surface. The rapidly sinking air near thunderstorms resulted in strong to severe gusts upon impacting the ground. The intense winds also kicked up copious amounts of dust creating brief brownouts in localized areas. Furthermore, dry lightning initiated a wildfire just west of Matador. This wildfire was named the Crooked Cook Fire and burned approximately 1388 acres before being contained on the 15th. No known damage occurred from this wildfire.