Thunderstorm Wind in Castro County, Texas

A Texas Tech University West Texas mesonet site near Dimmitt measured severe wind gusts from 1608 CST through 1613 CST. A peak wind gust of 71 mph was measured at 1608 CST.

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.