Wildfire — Midland, Texas

2011-04-09 to 2011-04-10 · Midland, Texas

Event narrative

A fire, known as the Hickman Fire, started in Midland County and burned 16,500 acres. Thirty-four homes and 5 outbuildings were destroyed. Five hundred people were evacuated.

Wider weather episode

A surface trough extended into west Texas with a dryline located east of the area. High temperatures were near record levels, and minimum relative humidity values ranged from 5 to 10 percent. A tight surface pressure gradient contributed to winds of 20 - 35 MPH across the plains with sustained winds around 40 MPH in the mountains. A Red Flag Warning was in effect for west Texas.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 298276. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.