Thunderstorm Wind — Lubbock, Texas

2014-06-07 · near Wolfforth, Lubbock, Texas

Event narrative

A downburst on the periphery of a mesocyclone produced estimated wind gusts as high as 75 mph from about three miles west of Wolfforth to four miles southeast of Wolfforth. Several power outages were noted across this swath as at least 34 power poles collapsed. Some areas remained without power for two days until utility crews could replace poles that were previously inaccessible by swollen playa lakes. Wind damage was most prevalent in a subdivision south of Wolfforth where many roofs and fences would require repair or complete replacement. Some north-facing windows were completely shattered by these high winds along with large hail reported to be as big as tennis balls. Various rural residences suffered similar damages. Many tree limbs were downed in addition to some trees being completely uprooted.

Wider weather episode

An outbreak of severe storms affected many locations on the Caprock late this day and through the overnight hours resulting in numerous instances of hail damage, destructive winds and flooding. Several of these storms were supercells and a few even developed organized low level rotation. However, official NWS storm surveys did not find conclusive evidence of tornadic activity, but instead discovered several swaths of intense rear flank downdraft winds that at one point were measured as high as 96 mph. Preliminary estimates indicate that several thousand acres of newly planted cotton and grain crops throughout portions of the South Plains would require replanting following torrential rains and soil erosion. Total property and agricultural losses from this event will likely approach $250 million.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.5203, -102.0743)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 511673. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.